• November 18, 2016

Introduction

The handicrafts sector is important for the Indian economy as it is one of the largest employment generators and accounts for a significant share in the country’s exports. The state and regional clusters contribute significantly to handicrafts export. The Indian handicrafts industry is fragmented, with more than seven million regional artisans and more than 67,000 exporters/export houses promoting regional art and craftsmanship in the domestic and global markets.

KEY MARKETS AND EXPORT DESTINATIONS

• Handicraft exports from India increased by 13.5 per cent year-on-year during April-September 2016 to US$ 1.9 billion. During this period, the exports of various segments registered positive growth like Art Metalware (28.23 per cent), Wood wares (9.52 per cent), Hand printed Textiles & Scarves (8.54 per cent), Embroidered & Crochetted goods (11.00 per cent), Shawls as Artwares (4.76 per cent) and Imitation Jewellery (15.90 per cent).
• Indian handicrafts are exported across geographies, with the top 10 destinations being the US, the UK, the UAE, Germany, France, Latin American countries (LAC), Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia.

EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS

The EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL FOR HANDICRAFTS (EPCH) is the apex government body and operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. EPCH has the distinction of being considered a ‘model council’, a self-sustaining body that self-finances all its promotional activities.

Total export of handicrafts from India is expected to grow by 10 per cent to US$ 3.5 billion in FY 2016-17

Source:
Exports Promotion Council for Handicrafts