Turkish skincare and personal care products are being removed from stores in India as part of a growing boycott tied to political tensions between the two countries.
Distributors and retailers across India have begun delisting Turkish beauty brands after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan voiced support for Pakistan in recent border clashes. His comments sparked backlash among Indian business groups, fueling a wider nationalist movement to reject Turkish goods.
The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which supplies around 13 million grocery stores nationwide, has announced an indefinite boycott of all products from Turkey. The ban affects several categories, including snacks, confectionery, and personal care items.
Although the Indian government has not issued a formal trade ban, many retailers say they are acting in response to public sentiment and a sense of national duty.
Turkish skincare products, which had started to find a niche in India’s price-sensitive market, are now being pulled from both physical shelves and online platforms. While specific import figures for beauty products were not shared, the AICPDF estimates that the larger boycott of food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) could impact imports worth about US$234 million.
The situation highlights how geopolitical disputes can directly influence consumer markets and international trade, particularly in politically charged regions.
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