American trade bodies, including USIBC, have opposed the efforts of the Indian Government to restrict the participation of foreign companies in India’s tobacco market. They are of the opinion that such measures are restrictive and go against India’s stance of welcoming foreign investors.
Currently, foreign direct investment (FDI) is completely prohibited in manufacturing of tobacco and its substitutes. However such investments are allowed in wholesale trading of cigarettes through the approval route upto 100%. The Health Ministry had asked for a complete FDI ban on the sector because of health reasons and the Commerce Ministry too has proposed the same.
However the American trade bodies have argued that since there is no difference in the health effects from consuming Indian or foreign tobacco products, the ban does not hold merit. Moreover as the market is dominated by Indian companies any fears with regard to foreign competition do not hold ground. 99.6% of the Indian tobacco market is held by domestic companies and one large Indian company controls 80% of the market.
They have further gone on to point out that India is a leading exporter of tobacco, and its manufacturing industry also sells tobacco products internationally, including in the US. They have also expressed concerns over the possibility of further restrictions on FDI in the tobacco wholesale business and a possible import ban.
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