Apple Gets the Go-Ahead to Open Retail Stores in India
Apple could, according to a recent report, be given the green light by Indian authorities to sell its products in the country, despite current policy prohibiting the Cupertino company from doing so.
The news comes from the Times of India, which explains that the Indian government “is expected to allow Apple to open its own retail outlets in the company without any sourcing requirement for two-to-three years.” As we've explained before, Indian trade policy requires that 30 percent of components used in Apple's products must come from domestic suppliers, which of course currently isn't the case.
However, a couple of months ago we noted that, as a “cutting-edge technology” company, Apple might be given a waiver. It now seems this could be the case. The Times of India explains:
Sources told TOI that discussions have already kicked off between the finance ministry and the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP) and the option of allowing the maker of iPhone and iPads without sourcing requirements in the initial years has been floated.
Apple sees India as holding huge potential for iOS growth. And opening domestic stores is going to play a big part in Apple's capture of India's emerging smartphone market. Apple CEO Tim Cook even payed a visit to India recently, in an attempt “to drum up support for its plans to open its own stores as well as making its presence even stronger in the country.”
It looks like this is something that's only set to grow over time. Of course, we'll keep you posted with further information as we receive it.
