Rohit Kumar on Exporting Indian Products: Opportunities for NRIs

Rohit Kumar is a seasoned entrepreneur, import-export expert, and CEO of New Origins, a service provider for consumer product brands. Based in Los Angeles, USA, he has over 15 years of experience in consumer products, e-commerce, and logistics. New Origins also operates its own consumer product brands, Brush with Bamboo® and CleanPlaneterra®.

Beyond his business ventures, Rohit is a content creator dedicated to supporting budding entrepreneurs. He aims to share his extensive knowledge, encourage greater exports from India, and help others establish their own businesses, particularly in global markets.

Rohit Kumar began his career in Silicon Valley after graduating first in his class from UC Berkeley. Seeking more flexibility and a desire to create something of his own, he transitioned into the physical products sector. This led him to establish his own import-export business.

His entrepreneurial journey began when he identified an opportunity to introduce bamboo toothbrushes to the US market. This initial venture into brands laid the groundwork for his evolving business, New Origins, and his broader expertise in international trade.

When operating in Western markets, Rohit observed a distinct preference for products labelled "Made in India" over those originating from China. This insight highlights a significant global potential for Indian-manufactured goods.

This preference underscores a strategic advantage for Indian products and points to an immense opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to export from India. The market is increasingly receptive to goods reflecting Indian craftsmanship and quality.

Rohit Kumar firmly believes the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community has a crucial role in enhancing India's global export landscape. He draws parallels with the Chinese expat community, highlighting their effectiveness as foreign operators, salespeople, and network builders for Chinese enterprises.

He advocates for the NRI community to actively build a robust global network that promotes Indian manufactured goods. By leveraging their presence and connections abroad, NRIs can facilitate market access, establish trust, and drive the international demand for Indian products.

Rohit encourages new entrepreneurs to examine their local regions in India to identify unique products that align with their strengths and local specialities. This approach ensures a genuine 'product-founder fit,' maximising the chances of success in competitive global markets.

Successful exporting requires a comprehensive understanding of buyer preferences in target markets and an awareness of growth potential across various product categories. Focusing on unique regional offerings can help cater to specific global demands and establish a strong market presence.