Chinese electronics maker, Xiaomi is reportedly planning to manufacture TV sets in India and sell them here instead of importing them, according to a report of The Economic Times.
The financial daily, quoting Xiaomi executives, said that the company is currently in advanced stage of negotiations with Foxconn for manufacturing of TV sets.
“Xiaomi’s talks are in advanced stages with Foxconn for manufacturing televisions in India, which will start from July-August so that in the festive season-Diwali sales it has mostly Made-in-India models,” it quoted an executive as saying.
Manufacturing in India will give Xiaomi some tax benefits. However, the report added that the company may not reduce the prices of its TV sets as it already selling them at waferthin margins.
Currently, Xiaomi is selling three Smart TVs of 32 inch, 43 inch and 55 inch sizes for Rs 13,999, Rs 22,999 and Rs 44,999 respectively.
Note that the company had to increase the price of its 55 inch TV by Rs 5,000 to Rs 44,999 recently due to change in import duty taxes on completely built TV sets to 20 per cent from 15 per cent in a span of five months.
Xiaomi’s rival, Sony is already manufacturing its TV sets in Foxconn plant. The latest move will definitely help Xiaomi strengthen its TV business in India.