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Trade Tensions Between US and India Impact Toothpaste Industry

Trade Tensions Between US and India Impact Toothpaste Industry

Business | 9/6/2025

In the escalating trade tensions between the United States and India, Dabur, a key competitor of Colgate-Palmolive, is leveraging nationalist sentiments by urging consumers to boycott American brands, particularly toothpaste, in favor of domestic products. This move underscores the growing emphasis on promoting local goods amidst strained trade relations between the two nations.

The call to shun American toothpaste brands comes at a time when US-India trade ties are facing increasing challenges, with both countries imposing tariffs on various goods. Dabur’s push for a boycott serves as a strategic effort to position its products as symbols of national pride in the face of these economic tensions.

In response to Dabur’s nationalist marketing strategy, American companies like Colgate-Palmolive may face heightened scrutiny and consumer resistance in the Indian market. As competition intensifies and trade disputes persist, companies on both sides are compelled to navigate the complexities of geopolitical dynamics impacting their businesses.

While Dabur’s campaign highlights the impact of geopolitical tensions on consumer behavior and corporate strategies, it also raises questions about the broader implications for multinational corporations operating in a climate of trade uncertainty. The focus on toothpaste as a symbol of national allegiance reflects a larger trend of economic nationalism influencing consumer choices in the global marketplace.

As trade tensions between the US and India continue to evolve, the toothpaste industry, along with other sectors such as fast-food chains like McDonald’s and beverage companies like Pepsi, remains a focal point in the ongoing trade disputes. The intersection of economic interests and nationalist sentiments underscores the complexities faced by businesses operating in an increasingly interconnected and politically charged global economy.