Budget 2026: Consumer Sector Eyes GST Reforms, Consumption Boost, FTAs

• India's consumer market is projected to become the world's second largest by 2030, reaching $4.3 trillion.
• Industry players anticipate Budget 2026 to include measures boosting consumption, especially in discretionary products.
• Experts highlight urbanization, digitization, and the shift to branded/organized retail as key consumption drivers.
• Challenges include vulnerable rural demand, inverted duty structures, and limited Free Trade Agreements impacting export competitiveness.
• The sector expects GST 2.0 reforms, targeted rural consumption boosts, and expanded FTAs from the upcoming Budget.

Why It Matters: The consumer sector seeks Budget 2026 to drive growth through GST reforms, consumption incentives, and FTAs.