Handloom Industry and Exports

Introduction

Along with the artistry of weavers, the Indian handloom industry demonstrates the richness and diversity of Indian culture. With over 4.3 million people directly and indirectly involved in the production, the handloom industry is the second-largest employment provider for the rural population in India after agriculture. Indian handloom products are known for their unique designs and finesse. The trend is to mix old designs with new techniques and create original products.

The industry has strong infrastructure, with about 2.4 million looms of varied designs and construction, indicating significant production capacity.

KEY MARKETS AND EXPORT DESTINATIONS

• The export of handloom products from India was valued at US$ 355.91 million in FY2017-18.
• In 2017–18, the US was the major importer of Indian handloom products, with estimated purchases of US$ 93.19 million, followed by the UK, Spain and Italy at US$ 26.14 million, US$ 21.22 and US$ 18.05 million, respectively. Germany, UAE, France, Netherland, Australia and Japan were some other key export destinations.
• Nearly 15 per cent of cloth production in India is from Handloom sector.
• Cloth production from April to November 2017 stood at 5,134 million square meters.
• Production of hand woven fabric from India constitutes 95 per cent of global production

THE HANDLOOM EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

The Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) is a statutory body constituted under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to promote the export of all handlooms products such as fabrics, home furnishings, carpets and floor coverings. HEPC was constituted in 1965 with 65 members, and its present membership is about 2,000.