A Comparative Look at India and China's Consumption Trends
In 2023, India surpassed China to become the world's most populous country, marking a pivotal demographic shift. This change occurs amidst China's declining birth rate and negative population growth, in stark contrast to India's steady population increase. These diverging trends carry profound implications for domestic consumption patterns and economic landscapes in both nations, potentially reshaping global markets and influencing future economic strategies. India’s Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) contributes over 58% to the GDP, underscoring the significant role of consumption in driving the country's economic growth. In contrast, China’s PFCE accounts for only 38% of the GDP, indicating a lower reliance on consumer spending. Additionally, total final consumption, which includes both private and government expenditure, constitutes 68% of the GDP for India compared to 53% for China. This suggests that the government is a much larger consumer in China tha