Amazon is set to help Indian exporters sell $5 billion worth of small items globally through its platform in 2024, up from nearly $3 billion in 2023, a company official announced.
Through its Amazon Global Selling program, launched in 2015, about 150,000 small exporters from India will market their products directly to consumers in major markets like the United States and Britain.
“We are investing significantly in tools and technologies to help sellers optimise their reach, enhance product discovery, and increase sales,” Bhupen Wakankar, Amazon’s director of global trade, told Reuters. Amazon is projected to aid Indian businesses in reaching a cumulative $13 billion in e-commerce exports by the end of 2024.
Amazon rival Walmart announced plans in 2020 to increase its sourcing from India to $10 billion annually by 2027, up from $3 billion.
Amazon has partnered with India’s commerce ministry and trade associations to connect with small manufacturers offering diverse products, from textiles and jewelry to household goods and Ayurveda items. However, the e-commerce giant has faced criticism from trade and political groups in India, with allegations of predatory pricing and disruption of traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Despite the pushback, Amazon has committed to expanding its investments in India, with plans to increase its total investment to $26 billion by 2030, including funding for its cloud business. The company is also aiming to facilitate $20 billion in cumulative e-commerce exports from India by 2025, underscoring its growing presence in the country’s retail landscape.