How has India become the emerging hub for machinery spare parts manufacturing and logistics? - Broekman Logistics
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How has India become the emerging hub for  machinery spare parts manufacturing and logistics?

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When you think of machinery spare parts, India might not be the first place that comes to mind. However, this vibrant country is fast becoming a powerhouse in the manufacturing and export of these crucial components, particularly for the European market. owever, this vibrant country is fast becoming a powerhouse in the manufacturing and export of these crucial components, particularly for the European market.

Mastering Machinery Spare Parts Logistics: The India-Europe Connection

Thanks to its robust industrial base, strategic initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital India’, and an expanding logistics network, India is well-positioned to play an important role in global supply chains. This blog explores the journey of machinery spare parts from India to Europe, highlighting the challenges, regulations, and the essential role of logistics service providers.

India: The Unsung Hero of Machinery Spare Parts

India holds immense untapped potential in the world of machinery spare parts manufacturing. From (sustainable) automobile spares, bearings, gears, belts, valves, electronic components and accessories to medical and scientific machinery components, India produces a diverse range of high-quality spare parts that meet stringent international standards. This sector is not confined by borders; machinery and spare parts operate on a global scale, mostly in industrial niche sectors. They become more specialised and show a rise for demand of high-performance, precision and customised spare parts. This is linked to on-demand manufacturing, which enables manufacturers to offer, assemble and store small batches of customised spare parts. As a result, rapid responses to market changes are possible. The sector in India is a significant contributor to the country’s GDP, with the government aiming to increase the manufacturing sector’s contribution to 25% of the economy by 2025 under the Make in India initiative. This initiative is set up to boost exports from India.

Key Manufacturing and Export Hubs in India

Machinery Spare Parts Industry

India’s machinery spare parts industry is concentrated in several key states, each contributing significantly to the export landscape:

  • Maharashtra (21%)
  • Tamil Nadu (15.4%)
  • Gujarat (13.5%)
  • Odisha (6.5%)
  • Haryana (6.2%)
  • Karnataka (6.1%)

These states are not just manufacturing giants but are also strategically located near major logistics hubs, ensuring that spare parts can be efficiently transported by ocean or air to global markets.

Logistics Gateways for Machinery in India

Transporting machinery spare parts from India to Europe is a complex process that involves multiple logistics gateways:

  • Airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad
  • Seaports: Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Kandla, Chennai, Visakhapatnam

These gateways are critical for both air and sea freight, providing flexible and efficient transport solutions that cater to the diverse needs of the machinery spare parts industry.

Overcoming Export Challenges

Exporting machinery spare parts from India to Europe is not without its challenges. Here are some of the key hurdles and how logistics service providers can help overcome them:

Freight Forwarding

  1. Documentation and Compliance: Navigating the labyrinth of export documentation and compliance with international regulations can be daunting. Logistics providers ensure all paperwork is in order to prevent delays.
  2. Customs Procedures: Expertise in customs procedures is crucial to avoid unnecessary delays and costs. Logistics organisations with in-house customs departments are experienced to streamline these processes for smooth transit.
  3. Cost Management: Fluctuating freight costs (e.g. in transport by ocean due to the Red Sea Crisis), tariffs and protectionist policies can impact profitability. Strategic planning and cost-effective solutions from logistics partners help mitigate these issues.

Warehousing and Distribution

  1. Specialised Storage and Assembly: Machinery spare parts often require specific storage conditions to prevent damage. Advanced warehousing facilities ensure optimal conditions.
  2. Efficient Distribution: A well-coordinated network of warehouses and distribution centres across Europe ensures timely and reliable delivery.

Strengthening the EU-India Trade Relationship

The EU-India trade relationship is set to reach new heights, with ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to boost economic cooperation. This FTA aims to reduce tariffs, streamline customs procedures, and foster stronger economic ties, making it easier for Indian manufacturers to export machinery spare parts to Europe.

The trade lane between Europe and India is characterised by key logistics hubs in both regions. Major Indian ports like Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Chennai will play pivotal roles in handling exports to Europe. On the European side, ports such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Antwerp will be crucial entry points for Indian goods. Efficient logistics operations at these hubs will be essential to maintain the flow of machinery spare parts.

Future Trends and Market Outlook

The future looks bright for India’s machinery spare parts industry, driven by government initiatives like Make in India, Start-up India, and Digital India. These programmes are designed to create immense opportunities for manufacturers, fostering innovation and growth. The sector is poised to significantly increase its contribution to India’s GDP, with businesses reporting a positive outlook and favourable business conditions.

Conclusion

India’s emergence as a key player in the global machinery spare parts market is a testament to its robust manufacturing capabilities and strategic logistics infrastructure. For businesses in Europe, partnering with experienced logistics providers in India ensures a seamless supply chain, overcoming challenges and maximising opportunities. As the EU-India economic relationship continues to strengthen, the future of machinery spare parts logistics between these regions is promising, paving the way for growth and innovation.

Ready to discover the potential of India’s logistics excellence for your supply chain? Contact us to explore customised logistics solutions tailored to your business needs.

Industry links

Below you will find important links of the industrial bodies in India who provide the necessary support to organisations in the machinery, automobile and heavy industrial machinery markets:

  1. Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) https://www.acma.in/
  2. Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) https://www.siam.in/
  3. Indian machine tool manufacturers association (IMTMA)  www.imtma.in
  4. Textile machinery manufacturers’ association (INDIA)  http://www.tmmaindia.net
  5. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune https://www.araiindia.com/
  6. National Automotive Board (NAB) https://fame2.heavyindustries.gov.in/
  7. Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru https://cmti.res.in/
  8. Make in India https://www.makeinindia.com/

Contact our expert

Karan Vij

Trade Lane Manager
+31645052267