Rising India Boycott: How Trump’s Tariffs Are Fueling Reactions Against US Brands

Calls to boycott American brands are increasing in India after Donald Trump’s 50% tariff on Indian goods. Companies like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and Apple are facing backlash as anti-American feelings grow.

Supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various business leaders are encouraging consumers to choose local alternatives. India is an important market for American brands, with companies such as Domino’s and WhatsApp attracting millions of users.

Currently, there hasn’t been a noticeable drop in sales for these brands. Still, social media campaigns and public rallies are urging people to consider Indian-made products instead. Major brands like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola haven’t commented on the situation.

Manish Chowdhary, co-founder of Wow Skin Science, recently shared a video on LinkedIn, calling for support for local farmers and entrepreneurs. He pointed out how South Korea successfully made its food and beauty products popular worldwide.

Rahm Shastry, CEO of DriveU, stated that India needs more homegrown tech platforms, similar to China’s WeChat and Baidu. While Indian IT firms like TCS and Infosys lead in global software services, they’re finding it challenging to expand into retail.

Modi has been advocating for self-reliance, urging Indian companies to focus on local needs. Surprisingly, Tesla opened its second showroom in New Delhi amidst the boycott discussions.

The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, associated with Modi’s BJP, has organized rallies promoting the rejection of American brands. Ashwani Mahajan from this group called the boycott a patriotic act. They even circulated a WhatsApp list suggesting Indian alternatives for common products like soaps and drinks.

Social media is buzzing with campaigns that target McDonald’s and other foreign food chains. Yet, some consumers, like Rajat Gupta in Lucknow, remain unfazed by the boycott. He continues to enjoy his McDonald’s coffee, believing tariffs are a diplomatic matter, not a reason to change his eating habits.

Interestingly, a recent survey showed that 64% of Indians are open to trying local brands but still appreciate the American ones they have come to love. This dilemma reflects a broader trend of balancing national pride with consumer preferences.

For those interested in understanding the economic implications of such movements, a report from OECD discusses global trade dynamics and the impact of tariffs on consumer behavior.

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