3rd November 2015

- The Times of India

Chinese dragon to light up this Diwali

Get ready for a rather uncanny Chinese invasion this Diwali. Right from stickers depicting "Lakshmijis footsteps", "Shubh Labh" along with decorative toran adorning doorsteps and even the fire crackers that light up the night sky have been made in China.

"We earn around Rs 1,000 to 1,500 from sale of decorative lanterns, artificial flowers and fairy lights. Almost all of it is from Chinese manufacturers who send it to Mumbai after which it arrives in the city. The price range of these goods is Rs 50 to Rs 500 which is affordable and thus sells more. While margin on a single product is less, bulk sale gives up to 20 per cent profit," says Jayesh Kanani, an electronics store owner near Gandhi Road.

"Invasion of Chinese products, especially in crackers and plastic items, has hit small manufacturers and seasonal traders. Most manufacturers have now turned traders and are selling Chinese items. Despite being cheap these Chinese items yield quite good profit margin for the traders," said Arvind Gajera, secretary , Federation of Industries Association (FIA).

It is not only big sellers but also the flea market participants that swear by Chinese products. Anwar Rangwala, a sticker and decorative items seller, shows the new varieties that have just landed in the city this week.

The biggest draw is Chinese firecrackers. While Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu still rules the roost as far as the industry is concerned, the Chinese variants have made deep inroads due to variety and cheaper prices."This year, exploding matchsticks and string firecrackers is doing good business," said Jayant Modi, a shopkeeper near Raipur Darwaja.