Key Highlights

• A comprehensive snapshot of the top 10 import goods from China to India.

• India imported $109,697,424.26 worth of smartphones and telephone sets from China in April 2025.

• India imported $2,881,183.59 worth of silver from China in April 2025.

  Imagine this – you open your drawer only to find that the phone chargers, the LED bulbs & the knives you have all have one thing in common. They're all "Made In China"! While politicians debate over policies and borders, trade between both the nations continues to build bridges. In fact, over the years, China has shifted from being a silent neighbour to an import-export powerhouse next door. Curious to know what India imports from China? Read on to dive deep into this economic equation and the import goods from China. 

  Why China & Why Now?

  Before we delve deeper into the top import goods from China, it's essential to understand what this trade relationship truly means. Why does India continue to rely on Chinese imports across several industries, and what does this bilateral trade relationship signify? 

  Over the years, the Indo-Chinese border has transformed into a global import-export corridor, with China exporting a range of products at competitive prices & at large volumes. From raw materials & intermediate goods to finished products, China’s exports fuel several industries in India, including its pharmaceuticals, electronics & automotive sectors. 

  Despite the geopolitical tensions between the two nations, their trade relationship remains strong. In fact, India doesn’t import goods from China due to its lack of capability. With government initiatives, like the Make In India movement, the country can produce a wide range of goods domestically. However, it continues to rely on China to leverage economies of scale, established supplier networks and other factors that give the nation a competitive edge. 

  Top 10 Products Imported From China By India

  1. Machinery & Mechanical Appliances

  Ranking at the top of the list of the top import goods from China to India are machinery and mechanical appliances. China is a nation that is the factory floor to the world, and India is no exception. From high-tech equipment used for automobile manufacturing to industrial textile machinery, China is a leading exporter of mechanical machinery & appliances. The main reason for India to import this product category from China is due to its affordability and smooth operations. In fact, machinery imports accounted for $1,134,691,861.23 in April 2025. 
  
  

  2. Electronics

  Following right behind the list of items India imports from China is electronics. Whether it's the latest Android phone or a cutting-edge computer, many devices are likely to have a part sourced from China. From chips and circuit boards to other electrical components, China exports a significant amount of these products, with exports to India accounting for $1,113,758,146.05 in April 2025. But why? With China's large-scale manufacturing and competitive prices, India relies heavily on Chinese exports to power its digital transformation. 
  
  

  3. Organic Chemicals 

  Organic chemicals are another top import good from China and are a pioneering force that drives India's pharmaceutical, plastics and agricultural industries. As a key supplier of raw materials like heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen, petrochemicals, and fertilisers to India, Chinese exporters offer Indian buyers competitive quality and pricing. Not to mention, Indian organic chemical imports from China accounted for $583,108,393.92 in April 2025.
  
  

  4. Plastics 

  From the bucket in your bathroom to the Tupperware bottles you carry to work every day, plastics are an inevitable part of our life. And guess who exported the most? China! To your surprise, India imports a significant amount of plastics and plastic-based products from China, from PVC resins to plastic sheets. Add to that China's fast-moving supply chains and high demand to keep India durable, lightweight and wallet-friendly, quite literally! 

  Did you know that India imported $356,391,718.60 worth of plastics in April alone? Now, that's a flexible number! 
  
  

  5. Automobiles

  Another Indo-China import product is automobiles. While you won't find many "Made In China" cars on Indian roads, India imports a significant amount of parts to fuel its automobile industry. From batteries, engines & batteries to EV parts, many Indian car manufacturers rely on China for parts, all while keeping costs light on the pocket. In fact, automobile parts & accessories totalled $131,521,723.24 worth of exports in April 2025.
  
  

  6. Optical & Medical Devices 

  Speaking of healthcare, it's important to remember that precision is key. That's where China steps in with its premium quality & cutting-edge optical and medical devices. From sharp surgical tools to accurate diagnostic tools, China is an essential supplier of healthcare products to India, with exports of $130,757,922.85 in April 2025.
  
  

  7. Aluminium
  

  Not to mention, China is a crucial exporter of aluminium. Yes, you heard that. All those rolls of aluminium foil in your pantry come from China. As a metal, light as a feather, it still gets the job done and is often used in transportation, construction and packaging industries. What's more is that China exported $126,731,939.02 worth of aluminium and related products to India in April.
  
  

  8. Glassware

  Another best product to import from China is glass and glassware. China exports glass and glassware to various destinations across the globe, including India. From the tempered glass for electronic devices and crystal clear wine glasses, China has indeed carved a niche in its export market, and its $55,514,720.16 worth of exports are a testament to that.
  
  

  9. Iron & Steel
  

  Up next is iron and steel. From construction to manufacturing, India's iron and steel imports from China are the building blocks of its trade landscape. Whether it's the steel beams for a skyscraper or the water pipes for an infrastructure project, China likes to keep the supply of iron bars & rods, wire rods, steel coils, flat-rolled steel and other products steady to power the Indian industry, one beam at a time. To top it off, India's steel and iron goods imports from China represented $38,515,882.66 in April 2025. 

  In fact, in April 2025, India imported a significant amount of silver, both unwrought and semi-manufactured, with imports accounting for $2,881,183.59. 
  
  

  10. Jewellery & Gems 

  The last but not the least top import good from China to India is jewellery and gems. Even though India is a significant exporter of jewellery, particularly polished diamonds, gold and precious stones, it imports raw materials, costume jewellery and semi-precious stones from China, all making up $7,440,575.45 of its imports. Why though? 

  Well, China is known to produce fashion accessories and jewellery on a mass scale, which are, in turn, imported by India for re-export and domestic consumption.
  
  

  To Wrap Up

  All in all, India's import-export relationship with China is a classic example of how global trade goes beyond political boundaries. Even though the nation is often confronted with challenges from its superpower partner, China continues to be a pillar of support for India, providing it with a wide range of products for its industries to grow. While India may strive to become a resilient nation, its dependency on Chinese imports is indeed a practical solution to boost its development for years to come. 
  
  

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Which goods does India import from China?
  Some of the items India imports from China include telecommunication equipment, consumer goods and fertilisers, apart from the above-mentioned products. 

  2. Which country does India import the most from?
  Apart from the items India imports from China, the nation also imports goods from the UAE and the United States of America. 

  3. What does China specialise in?
  A major portion of China's goods consists of manufactured goods, along with agricultural products and electronic machinery. 

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