by Mr. Shobhit Singh, MD & CEO, Stone Sapphire India Pvt. Ltd:
“The revised GST slab will certainly influence stationery pricing, bulk buying behavior, and compliance costs. While customers may expect additional discounts under the perception of reduced tax, the reality is that compliance expenses remain unchanged, and margins are unlikely to expand. In fact, we anticipate tougher negotiations as buyers push for more price cuts, even though the tax component was never retained by manufacturers or retailers—it was always submitted to the government. That said, a lower GST rate does make stationery more affordable, which could stimulate demand and encourage higher consumption. Over time, this accessibility may balance out margin pressures, creating opportunities for the sector to grow while ensuring consumers benefit from fairer pricing.”