FDI in retail essay - FDI in retail advantages and disadvantages (2024)

FDI in retail in India has always been a contentious issue. The government has been progressively liberalising the retail sector in India for foreign direct investment. The last major move came in 2012 when 100% FDI was allowed in single-brand retail. In this article, we discuss the issue of FDI in retail in India and the advantages and disadvantages of the same. We also talk about how the Indian economy is affected by the liberalisation in the government’s FDI policy.

This is an important topic for the IAS Exam and questions based on the same may be asked in the GS 3 paper of the UPSC Mains.

Looking for study material to prepare for the upcoming IAS Exam?? Refer to the links below to complement your preparation:
  • UPSC Previous Year Question Papers
  • Topic-Wise GS 3 Questions for UPSC Mains
  • Economics Questions for UPSC Mains GS 3
  • UPSC MCQ On Economy
  • Budget and Foreign Policy: RSTV
  • Making India a Manufacturing Hub: RSTV- Big Picture

FDI in Retail Background

The Indian retail market is said to be worth USD 600 billion. It comes in the top-five retail markets worldwide by economic value. It is also one of the fastest-growing markets with a surging population of more than a billion people. The retail market is expected to grow tremendously. The total consumption expenditure is estimated to reach about USD 3600 billion by 2020. The retail market is estimated to have reached USD 1.1 trillion by 2020. Online retail sales are also estimated to grow at a rate of more than 30%.

In terms of economy, retail is one of the pillars of the Indian economy with the sector contributing to about 10% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this sector, the organised sector is merely 9% and the unorganised sector dominates. The maximum number of retailers operate out of less than 500 sq. feet of retail space. The unorganised retail sector also absorbs about 7% of the labour force in India.

The central government has approved 100% FDI in single-brand retail and 51% FDI in multi-brand retail.

To know in detail aboutForeign Direct Investment (FDI) for the upcoming Civil Services exam, candidates can visit the linked article.

FDI Inflows in India 2020-21

Given below is the data for the FDI inflows in India betweenJuly 2020 to September 2020:

FDI Inflows during the Second Quarter of Financial Year 2020-21 (July to September 2020)
Total FDI Inflows into India (Equity inflows + ‘Re-invested earnings’ + ‘Other capital’) (as per RBI’s Monthly bulletins)US$ 28,102 Million
FDI Equity InflowsRs. 174,793 CroreUS$ 23,441 Million

Given below are the States/Union Territories attracting the highest FDI Equity Inflows in India for 2019-20 and 2020-21:

State/UT2019-20 (October –March)2020-21 (April – September)CumulativeInflows (October 2019 – September 2020)% to totalInflows (in terms of US$)
Gujarat18,964

(2,591)

1,19,566

(16,005)

1,38,530

(18,596)

35
Maharashtra52,073

(7,263)

27,143

(3,619)

79,216

(10,882)

20
Karnataka30,746

(4,289)

27,458

(3,660)

58,204

(7,949)

15
Delhi28,487

(3,973)

19,863

(2,663)

48,350

(6,635)

12
Jharkhand13,208

(1,852)

5,990

(792)

19,198

(2,644)

5

(Source: DIPP Official Website)

Organised and unorganised retail

Unorganised retail, which forms the bulk of the retail industry in India, is composed of local Kirana stores, owner-managed single general stores, beedi/pan shops, convenience stores, hawkers and pavement vendors, etc. Organised sector comprises of corporate-backed retail chains, supermarkets, and department stores that can sell only under a license and are liable to huge volumes of sales and taxes.

Aspirants must also refer to the following articles for UPSC preparation:

India’s New FDI Reforms – ImplicationsFDI Confidence Index
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)
FDI in E-commerce: Whom will it benefit?World Investment Report

FDI in retail advantages and disadvantages

There are pros and cons of extending FDI into the retail space in India. Whenever there is a policy liberalisation about FDI in retail, activists are up in arms on both sides of the issue. Both the advantages and disadvantages are discussed below.

FDI in retail – Advantages and benefits

  • Growth in the economy – when foreign companies come in, new infrastructure will be built. Sectors like real estate and banking will see growth. Also, MNCs will pay a lot of taxes to the Indian government which again can be used to build infrastructure.
  • Employment generation – FDI in retail will create a lot of jobs in the organised retail sector.
  • The benefit to farmers – it will benefit farmers and producers by procuring produce from them directly and thus, cutting down on intermediaries. The farmers’ margins will improve.
  • In the unorganised sector, there is a huge wastage, running to the tune of 40% in the case of vegetables and fruits. Big retail chains can reduce this wastage by investing in supply chains and adequate storage facilities.
  • Foreign companies can bring in better technology, management best practices, and more learnings for Indian players.
  • Push to productivity – currently, Indian production in agriculture and food is very low. FDI in retail will give a much-needed fillip to infrastructure in agriculture and farming practices.
  • Benefits for consumers – FDI in retail implies low prices and better and more variety of products for consumers to choose from. They will also get access to international brands.
  • Induce competition – it will induce competition in the market benefitting both consumers and producers.

FDI in retail – Disadvantages, and apprehensions

  • FDI may drain out the country’s revenue share to foreign countries which can harm the nation’s overall economy.
  • The domestic retail players might not be able to withstand the competition from MNCs and may be wiped out from the market or at least absorbed by the bigger players.
  • Prices may be brought down initially, but once the MNCs get a stronghold in the market, they can cause price rise and may also form cartels harming the consumers.
  • Farmers, who may benefit initially, may also be at the mercy of these bigger retailers after they get a strong share of the market.
  • The predatory pricing policies of these big retailers will harm small and medium players in the sector.

Read on to know more about the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) at the linked article.

FDI in retail is an important concept for UPSC economy and polity sections. It can also feature an essay topic in the IAS mains exam. Students must have a basic understanding of the topic and also be updated on the latest policy liberalisations and changes that the government brings in.

FAQ about FDI in retail

Is FDI in retail goods allowed in India?

As per the latest policy issued by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) is allowed in case of single brand retail, and duty-free shops through automatic route.

Why FDI in retail is good for India, what are its benefits?

The few benefits of FDI in retail industry are: advance employment, organized retail stores, availability of quality products at a better and cheaper price, increased market growth and further expansion.

For more articles on important concepts for the IAS exam and updates on UPSC’s current affairs, please visit BYJU’S Free IAS Prep regularly.

Other Related Links
Unified Single Window Clearance SystemBIT (Bilateral Investment Treaty)Startup India Campaign
List of Government Schemes in IndiaParticipatory Notes(PNs)
Daily Current AffairsComprehensive News Analysis
FDI in retail essay - FDI in retail advantages and disadvantages (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages and disadvantages of foreign direct investment FDI? ›

Advantages for the company investing in a foreign market include access to the market, access to resources, and reduction in the cost of production. Disadvantages for the company include an unstable and unpredictable foreign economy, unstable political systems, and underdeveloped legal systems.

What are disadvantages of FDI? ›

  • Hindrance to Domestic Investment. As it focuses its resources elsewhere other than the investor's home country, foreign direct investment can sometimes hinder domestic investment. ...
  • Risk from Political Changes. ...
  • Negative Influence on Exchange Rates. ...
  • Higher Costs. ...
  • Economic Non-Viability. ...
  • Expropriation.

What does FDI in retail mean? ›

FDI in the retail sector basically means that the foreign companies in certain categories can sell their goods and services via their own retail shop in the country. Before 2006, FDI in the retail sector was not allowed because there was the fear of losing the job and entrepreneurial opportunities amongst the people.

What is the first disadvantage of FDI? ›

Disadvantages of FDI

hinder domestic investments and transfer control of domestic firms to foreign ones. risk political changes, exposing countries to foreign political influence. influence exchange rates. Influence interest rates.

What is FDI and its advantages? ›

Here are some of the advantages of FDI: Boosts a nation's economic growth and development. Creates ease in international trade. Facilitates job creation. Drives human capital development.

What is the main advantage of direct investment? ›

Direct investors do not wish to take actions to undermine the value or sustainability of their investments. Other positive effects associated with inward direct investment include increased employment, improved productivity, technology and knowledge transfer, and overall economic growth.

What are the disadvantages of FDI to local businesses? ›

Investment of a foreign company with its new technologies and products has several disadvantages of FDI for local businesses. FDI cons include new products arriving at lower prices creating competition and forcing local businesses to lower their prices and reorganize their operations in terms of costs.

What are three advantages of FDI quizlet? ›

Choose the three benefits of FDI to a home country.
  • Foreign subsidiary creates demand for home-country exports.
  • Inward flow of foreign earnings.
  • MNE learns skills from exposure to foreign market.

What are the effects of FDI? ›

Contributes to Rising U.S. Productivity: Inward investment leads to higher productivity growth through an increased availability of capital and resulting competition. Productivity is a key factor that increases U.S. competitiveness abroad and raises living standards at home.

What is FDI best examples? ›

An example would be McDonald's investing in an Asian country to increase the number of stores in the region. Here, a business enters a foreign economy to strengthen a part of its supply chain without changing its business in any way.

What is FDI and example? ›

Foreign direct investments are commonly categorized as horizontal, vertical, or conglomerate. With a horizontal FDI, a company establishes the same type of business operation in a foreign country as it operates in its home country. A U.S.-based cellphone provider buying a chain of phone stores in China is an example.

What is the role of IT in retailing? ›

To make it simple, the role of IT in retail is to process, manage and store data and information. Additionally, it uses computers and networks, hardware, software, operating systems, storage, and various other technology. Information Technology in retail can be used to speed up processes.

What are the 4 types of FDI? ›

The different types of FDIs are horizontal FDI, vertical FDI, conglomerate FDI and platform FDI.

What are the two main types of FDI? ›

FDI can take two different forms: Greenfield or mergers and acquisitions (M&As).
  • greenfield investment involves the creation of a new company or establishment of facilities abroad. ...
  • mergers and acquisitions amounts to transferring the ownership of existing assets to an owner abroad.

What is the introduction of FDI? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is the process whereby residents of one country (the source country) acquire ownership of assets in another country (the host country) for the purpose of controlling the production, distribution and other activities of a firm in that country.

Why is FDI important in us? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a major role in the U.S. economy, both as a key driver of the economy and an important source of innovation, exports and jobs. The United States has always provided foreign investors a stable and welcoming market.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of direct equity? ›

Benefits of equity share investment are dividend entitlement, capital gains, limited liability, control, claim over income and assets, right shares, bonus shares, liquidity, etc. Disadvantages are dividend uncertainty, high risk, fluctuation in market price, limited control, residual claim, etc.

How does FDI lead to economic growth? ›

Likewise, it increases the exporting capability in the host country and enhances competition in domestic markets, which leads to lower prices and higher real incomes for consumers.

Which of the following are disadvantages to international business? ›

Disadvantages of International Business
  • Economic Dependence. ...
  • Inhibition of Growth of Home Industries. ...
  • Import of Harmful Goods. ...
  • Shortage of Essential Goods in Home Country. ...
  • Misuse of Natural Resources. ...
  • Political Exploitation. ...
  • Rivalry among the Nations. ...
  • Invasion of Culture.
Jul 11, 2018

How FDI will affect the local industries? ›

FDI involves significant ownership control, as well as the transfer of technology. Its impact on economic growth will take place through increased productivity, human capital accumulation, R&D activity, and technological and productivity spillovers.

What are the two major concerns about foreign direct investment? ›

The two major concerns about foreign direct investment​ are: who receives the profits and taxes. who controls the assets and who receives the profits.

How does FDI affect the environment? ›

The increase in FDI inflows may be associated with global climate change. Hence, many prior studies have paid attention to investigating the impacts of FDI inflows on carbon emissions. However, many existing studies have claimed conflicting links between FDI inflows and environmental contamination.

What does FDI mean in America? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a category of cross-border investment in which an investor resident in one economy establishes a lasting interest in and a significant degree of influence over an enterprise resident in another economy.

What is FDI in USA? ›

According to BEA, FDI in the United States is defined as the ownership or control, directly or indirectly, by one foreign person, or entity, of 10 percent or more of the voting securities of an incorporated U.S. business enterprise or an equivalent interest in an unincorporated U.S. business enterprise.

What are the top 5 FDI? ›

Sector-wise FDI Equity Inflows during April-September 2022

During the first half of this fiscal, Singapore emerged as the top investor. It was followed by Mauritius, the U.A.E., the U.S.A., the Netherlands and Japan.

What is FDI in full words? ›

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the viewpoint of the Balance of Payments and the International Investment Position (IIP) share a same conceptual framework given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

What is FDI simplified? ›

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is the category of international investment that reflects the objective of obtaining a lasting interest by an investor in one economy in an enterprise resident in another economy.

What are the benefits of retailing? ›

11 Benefits a Retailer Can Provide to Its Customers
  • Easy Shopping Experience. You should think of each customer's shopping experience as a journey. ...
  • Customer Engagement. ...
  • Personalization. ...
  • Instant Gratification. ...
  • Greater Inventory Options. ...
  • Targeted Discounts. ...
  • Price Matching. ...
  • Buy Online Pick-Up In Store (BOPUS)
Oct 11, 2022

What is an example of retail? ›

Retail is the process of selling goods directly to the consumer, usually in a shop or online. Examples of retailers include supermarkets, department stores, specialty stores, convenience stores, and online stores.

What are the motives of FDI? ›

According to this theory FDI are motivated by three advantages: Ownership advantages; Location advantages; Internalization advantages.

What are the 3 components of FDI? ›

FDI has three components: equity capital, reinvested earnings and intra-company loans.

What is the most common form of FDI? ›

The most common type of FDI is Horizontal FDI, which primarily revolves around investing funds in a foreign company belonging to the same industry as that owned or operated by the FDI investor.

What is the advantage of foreign direct investment quizlet? ›

FDI might place capital at risk but it reduces dissemination risk, provides tighter control over foreign operations, and it transfers tacit knowledge. the main advantage is more ownership and rights to profits.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of FDI in Vietnam? ›

Foreign direct investment has both advantages and disadvantages for Vietnam. While it can lead to job creation, technology transfer, and economic growth, it can also lead to dependence on foreign capital, environmental concerns, and competition with local businesses.

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