How express imports power India's manufacturing renaissance

India's ascent as a global production hub requires strategic access to the world's most advanced supply chains and critical components. This is essential because while India's manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, driven by ambitious government policies like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and remains integral to the overall objectives of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, modern production is not about producing everything domestically.

Instead, long-term growth lies in managing a globally integrated supply chain where the strategic imports of key specialized components are critical for the success of local production. To help you understand the new reality of the global supply chain, this blog will highlight three key ways express imports complement local manufacturing, helping Indian businesses stay agile, competitive, and connected to global markets.

1. Express imports accelerate India’s manufacturing and global competitiveness

India's ambitious journey toward self-reliance under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the objectives of Make in India requires strategic global integration, not isolation. While the scheme incentivizes local assembly and production, manufacturers must still routinely import high-value and specialized components, such as microchips or advanced battery cells.

Crucially, the PLI's core focus on rapid, large-scale output also makes the speed of the supply chain paramount. This high-stakes, ambitious environment directly catalyzes demand for express imports to sustain production and achieve incentive benchmarks.

2. Ensuring seamless industrial operations and reducing costly downtime

Fast and reliable imports are how India’s industries maintain uninterrupted production and avoid costly delays. In sectors where every hour counts, express imports ensure that critical components and specialized parts arrive just in time. 

The industries that rely most heavily on express delivery services for seamless operations and reduced downtime include:

• Electronics and Mobile Manufacturing: For this high-growth sector, where the "Made in India" label is prominent, express imports are essential. Bringing in high-precision components, such as semiconductors and camera modules, via international express deliveries helps meet tight production cycles.
• Automotive and Aerospace: These industries operate on a strictly Just-in-Time (JIT) model where line shutdowns can prove disastrous. Using express shipping for specialized machine parts and industrial automation components is therefore critical.
• Industrial and Heavy Machinery: Indian manufacturers importing high-value, low-volume parts for critical machinery must rely on an express delivery service that works effectively to rapidly address operational failures and minimize costly equipment downtime.

3. Driving innovation and reliability in healthcare and life sciences

Express imports play a crucial role in driving India’s healthcare and life sciences sectors. The burgeoning pharmaceutical industry depends heavily on imported Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Fast, reliable shipments ensure production flows remain uninterrupted.

Similarly, India imports nearly 70% of high-value medical devices, from MRI scanners to surgical robotics. Express delivery enables hospitals and healthcare providers to quickly replenish critical consumables and implants.

How a strategic import partner can complement local manufacturing

Partnering with a provider of reliable international shipping services is crucial for converting the high-risk environment of the PLI scheme into a strategic advantage. The seamless, specialized nature of DHL Express' door-to-door services are designed to complement local manufacturing efficiency by offering these core benefits:

• Speed and Reliability: DHL Express’s speedy imports offer guaranteed, time-definite delivery, which is essential for JIT models. This speed also significantly reduces inventory costs by eliminating the need for large safety stocks.
• Customs Expertise: DHL Express guides importers through the complex customs process when importing goods to India, from mandatory shipping documents, such as the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC), to accurate tariff classification.
• Simplified Process: DHL Express’s door-to-door courier delivery services help importers simplify and consolidate their entire logistics chain under one partner.
• Real-Time Visibility and Control: Critical for mitigating JIT risks, the use of DHL’s online shipment tracking tool provides instant, end-to-end visibility over component movements.

Your partner for strategic imports

Ultimately, for a manufacturing business in India to succeed, strategic imports enabled by a reliable express delivery partner are just as important as domestic production. This necessity for speed and precision means every manufacturer must integrate a dependable logistics solution to manage risks associated with JIT models and meet PLI scheme benchmarks.

In this regard, DHL Express is the definitive partner. They provide personalized international shipping services as well as expert customs specialists who guarantee accurate shipping documents for compliance.

So, ready to turn supply chain risk into tangible bottom-line results? Open a DHL Express business account and equip your business with the tools and expertise needed to manage its express imports today.

Frequently asked questions about how express imports power India’s economy