India has the potential of $109 billion opportunity in Printed Circuit Board Assembly

A report from India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and EY says, PCBA manufacturing and exports will fast forward the components industry, build ownership of core technology and reduce dependency on China. India has the potential of becoming a $109-billion global manufacturing and export hub for PCBAs during the years 2021-2026.

PCBA exports can be the next great opportunity for India’s electronics exports after mobile phones and appropriate incentives are being recommended in line with the PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme announced for mobile phones

The report further says, that India's dream of becoming the global electronics manufacturing hub cannot be realised unless the government provides support to mitigate the disabilities faced by the PCBA industry.

If support of 4-6 per cent on exports of PCBAs can be provided, by 2025-26, the cumulative PCBA export for India can be about $109 billion, said the report titled "Atmanirbhar Bharat: Making India the global hub for Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)".

However, if no support is offered, the export is estimated to dwindle to a $4 billion, it added. Currently, the government provides 2 per cent benefit on Free on Board (FOB) value of exports under the Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS) Scheme for specified products, which includes PCBA.

The scheme will end by December 31.