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The total export of handicrafts from India is expected to nearly double to US$ 2.7 billion in FY 2015-16 and further increase to US$ 3.8 billion by FY 2020-21.

The Indian Handicraft Industry is one of the largest employment generators and accounts for a significant share in the country’s exports. The Indian handicrafts industry is fragmented and unorganized, with more than 7 million regional artisans and more than 67,000 exporters promoting regional art and craftsmanship in the domestic and global markets.


In 2015–16, Indian handicrafts exports stood at US$ 4.5 billion, up approximately 15.4 per cent over the previous year’s exports. Exports of Indian handicrafts have increased at around 16.4 per cent since the last five years.

Indian handicrafts are exported to countries like the US, the UK, the UAE, Germany, France, Latin American countries (LAC), Italy, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia.

US alone accounted for approximately 26.1 per cent of India’s total handicraft exports in 2014–15. It was followed by the EU, which accounted for approximately 24.7 per cent.

The UAE was the third-largest importer of Indian handicrafts, with imports worth US$ 410 million in 2014–15.