India boycotts Turkish skincare products amid political tensions

INDIA – The All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), an Indian non-government organization comprising various distributors & stockists of all FMCG Companies, has announced an indefinite boycott of all Turkish-origin products. 

Turkish skincare products, which had been gaining traction in India’s price-sensitive market, are now being pulled from both physical stores and online platforms. 

In addition to the personal care and cosmetics sector, other affected sectors include the confectionery and snacks sectors. 

This move comes after Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan’s remarks in support of Pakistan, following recent border tensions between India and Pakistan. 

However, the Indian government has not issued an official trade ban, many retailers are removing Turkish brands from their shelves, citing national duty and public sentiment as their motivation. 

The AICPDF, which supplies 13 million grocery stores across India, estimates that the larger boycott, which includes fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food products, could affect imports worth approximately USD 234 million. 

This development underscores how geopolitical disputes can directly influence consumer markets, shaping international trade dynamics in politically charged regions.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms have swiftly responded to public sentiment, reinforcing the growing trend of nationalist-driven economic policies in India.

 This scenario is likely to reduce Turkish exports, as well as India’s imports from Turkey, which were US$2.62 billion during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

In addition, the broader economic disengagement, which includes food and FMCG products, could result in millions in lost revenue, weakening Turkey’s trade ties and market influence in South Asia

This comes as Turkey’s skincare sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by urbanization, digital influence, and a renewed cultural embrace of beauty rituals.

According to a report by StrategyHelix, in 2024, the Turkish skincare market was valued at USD 886.1 million, and it is projected to reach USD1.91 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7%.  

Traditional ingredients like rose water, black seed oil, and clay, rooted in Ottoman-era personal care, remain highly popular, with domestic brands blending heritage formulations and modern scientific claims to cater to evolving consumer preferences. 

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