India has become one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world — and the luggage industry is no exception.
With a population exceeding 1.4 billion and a rising middle class eager to travel, the Indian market offers tremendous potential for luggage manufacturers and exporters from China.
At Shire Luggage, based in Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, we’ve been supplying Indian brands and importers for more than a decade.
Our experience gives us a clear understanding of India’s unique mix of demand, design preferences, and pricing sensitivity, which helps us guide new partners entering this rapidly expanding market.
1. Overview of India’s Luggage Market
India’s luggage sector is currently valued at over USD 3 billion, with annual growth projected at 8–10% between 2025 and 2030.
The industry has evolved from unorganized local production to a more structured, brand-driven ecosystem.
Key Growth Drivers:
Rapid expansion of domestic and international travel
Rising disposable income in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
Growth of e-commerce and retail chains such as Amazon India, Flipkart, and Reliance Retail
Strong demand for hard-shell and lightweight PP luggage among young travelers
The market is divided into three segments:
Economy / Mass Market (60%) – highly price-sensitive
Mid-Range (30%) – emerging brands focusing on design and durability
Premium (10%) – international and aspirational labels targeting urban professionals
2. Major Indian Brands and Their Positioning
Several Indian companies dominate the local market while also importing from Chinese OEM factories:
| Brand | Market Segment | Key Traits |
| VIP Industries (Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat) | Mid to Premium | Mix of Indian and OEM China production |
| Safari Industries | Mid | Growing online presence; modernized hard luggage line |
| American Tourister (via Samsonite India) | Premium | Global brand influence; imported PC luggage |
| Nascent Brands & E-commerce Labels | Entry to Mid | Focused on PP & ABS luggage from China |
In recent years, dozens of smaller private-label e-commerce brands have emerged on platforms like Flipkart and Meesho, importing directly from Chinese suppliers who can customize design, logo, and packaging.
This shift opens a massive opportunity for Chinese OEM manufacturers like Shire Luggage, who can provide both low MOQ flexibility and high consistency for new entrants.
3. Import Trends: What India Buys from China
India continues to rely heavily on imports of finished luggage rather than semi-finished shells.
Key Product Preferences:
Material: PP > ABS > PC (PP is the most demanded for durability and flexibility)
Sizes: 20”, 24”, 28” sets (three-piece combos sell best)
Color Preferences: Black, Blue, Burgundy, and Champagne Gold
Design: Minimalist, with matte or textured finishes
Locks: TSA not always necessary — depends on export port & customs zones
Packaging: Brown box + polybag (simple and economical)
Import Statistics (2024 Estimate):
Over 60% of India’s hard luggage imports come from China
Main import ports: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi ICD
Annual import growth: +12% year-on-year
Increasing demand for lightweight PP suitcases due to rising domestic air travel
4. How Chinese Manufacturers Like Shire Luggage Succeed in India
Chinese suppliers succeed in India not only because of lower cost, but because of industrial maturity, customization capability, and trust built over time.
At Shire Luggage, we’ve established long-term cooperation with multiple Indian brands and distributors, helping them:
Develop new designs tailored to Indian consumers
Create strong, flexible PP luggage suitable for rough handling
Offer 3-piece combo sets ideal for family travelers
Maintain competitive pricing with guaranteed quality consistency
Our OEM/ODM service includes:
Custom logo embossing
Indian-standard labeling and barcode printing
Multi-language packaging (English + Hindi available)
Long-term mold retention for repeat orders
Most importantly, we understand the Indian customer mindset — balancing aesthetics with practicality, and value with trust.
5. Business Culture & Payment Practices in India
Success in the Indian market depends as much on understanding payment and business culture as on product quality.
Typical Practices:
Initial trial orders: 1×40HQ or 2×20GP
Payment terms: 30% deposit + 70% against copy of BL, or via Letter of Credit (LC at sight)
Some importers prefer TT with supplier references for faster turnaround
Price sensitivity is high — buyers compare total landed cost, not just FOB price
Shire Luggage supports LC, TT, and third-party inspection before shipment.
We also work closely with forwarders to coordinate FOB Ningbo / CIF Mumbai / CIF Chennai shipments, ensuring smooth logistics.
6. Market Opportunities for 2025 and Beyond
The next five years will see a dramatic shift in India’s luggage consumption pattern.
Key Opportunities:
Growth of travel influencers and youth-oriented brands
Expansion of domestic air travel (India’s airport network is growing fast)
Rising demand for eco-friendly luggage (recyclable PP and fabric hybrids)
Increase in corporate gifting and promotional suitcases
E-commerce brands outsourcing entire OEM production to China
Chinese factories that can offer fast lead times, small MOQs, and modern design will continue to dominate.
Shire Luggage’s flexibility, stable quality, and proven delivery record make it a natural partner for Indian importers scaling up their brand.
7. Why Indian Brands Choose Shire Luggage
10+ years of OEM experience with Indian partners
Advanced PP injection molding machines
BSCI & ISO certified production
Fast sample delivery (7–10 days)
Experienced export team familiar with Indian LC & customs requirements
Support for bilingual packaging and inspection documentation
From Mumbai to Chennai, our luggage is already sold in dozens of Indian cities, helping local brands expand their presence nationwide.
8. The Road Ahead
India’s luggage industry is on a powerful growth trajectory — fueled by travel, aspiration, and digital commerce.
For Chinese OEM manufacturers, the opportunity lies not in selling cheaper, but in building long-term partnerships based on trust, innovation, and service.
At Shire Luggage, we see India not just as a market, but as a partner in progress.
Together, we can deliver world-class products that bring value, style, and reliability to millions of travelers.
Shire Luggage – Your Trusted OEM Partner for the Indian Market.
From Wenzhou, China — to every corner of India.
Post time: Oct-10-2025