Amber Enterprises to Power Oppo, OnePlus, Realme Phone Production in India

Amber Enterprises India Limited is set to become the key manufacturer for Chinese smartphone giants Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme in India, with production slated to kick off in March 2027. This major collaboration will see the Indian electronics firm initially produce 8 million smartphones, quickly scaling up to 15-16 million units in its second year of operations, marking a significant shift in how these popular brands operate in one of the world's largest mobile markets. This move highlights a growing trend among Chinese smartphone companies to adopt an 'asset-light' manufacturing model in India, meaning they rely on local partners like Amber to build their products instead of owning all the factories themselves. This strategy helps them manage costs and navigate increasing regulatory scrutiny, as brands like Vivo and Oppo have faced actions from Indian agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in recent times. For Amber Enterprises, this smartphone venture is a big step in diversifying its business beyond its traditional focus on air conditioners, positioning it as a major player in India's booming electronics manufacturing sector. However, the company is also seeing some challenges, like pressure on profit margins in its bare printed circuit board (PCB) business due to rising costs of raw materials such as Copper-Clad Laminate (CCL). This strategic pivot by Chinese brands, including Vivo own plans to form a joint venture with Dixon Technologies for its manufacturing, shows a dynamic landscape shaping India's future as a global electronics production hub.