Indian OEM eyes export opportunities amid US–China trade war

Mr. Ajay Malik, head of international business, ACE (Photo: ACE)

One company, Action Construction Equipment Ltd (ACE), is capitalising on the export opportunities arising from the ongoing US-China trade friction.

“The reconfiguration of global trade routes has opened up unprecedented opportunities for Indian exporters, especially in the high-value construction equipment sector,” said Ajay Malik, head of international business at ACE. “At ACE, we see this shift as a clear validation of India’s rising stature as a reliable manufacturing hub.”

The company manufactures a range of construction equipment, including mobile, truck-mounted, tower and crawler cranes. It also produces piling rigs, backhoe loaders, road equipment, and vibratory loaders, among other machine types.

With the US aiming to diversify its sources and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturers, Indian firms could be increasingly recognised as viable alternatives, Malik suggested.

This shift is supported by government-led initiatives such as Make in India, a program designed to encourage companies to develop, manufacture, and assemble products in India while incentivising substantial investment in the manufacturing sector.

“Our presence in over 42 countries is a testament to the trust we’ve earned through consistent delivery, innovation, and cost competitiveness,” Malik added. “This evolving landscape represents not just a short-term gain, but a long-term strategy where India is poised to lead the next wave of industrial supply chain realignment.”

According to the Economic Times, India’s construction equipment industry saw a 26% increase in sales, reaching 135,650 units in the 2023-24 fiscal year, largely due to the government’s infrastructure-led growth agenda.

The Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) reported that the industry sold 107,779 units in the previous fiscal year. The government’s infrastructure-focused growth initiatives and pre-election momentum on projects are said to have contributed to the positive growth across all five major segments of construction equipment.