Introduction
Carpet weaving in India was introduced in the 16th century and Indian carpets have a huge demand in the international markets. The handmade carpet industry employs over 20 million workers and artisans in the country. Currently, India is ranked first in carpet production and exports. The country produces a wide range of handmade carpets and other floor coverings in low, medium and high qualities.
Categories of Indian handwoven carpets include: Indo Persian, silk, wool and silk, hand-tufted, Zeigler and Kilim
The major carpet-producing states in India are: Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and the North-Eastern states.
Export Trend
India exports silk, coir, jute and handloom carpets and floor coverings. The country exports about 85-90% of the total carpets it produces and is the largest exporter in the world. In March 2022, the carpet export of the country was US$ 155 million, higher than US$ 130.56 million in February 2022. Since 2017-18, the carpet exports from India has witnessed a CAGR of 5%.
Export Destinations
India exports carpets to more than 70 countries in the world. The US, Germany, the UK, Australia, UAE, France, Sweden, Netherlands and Italy are among the largest importers from India.
The US is the biggest importer of carpets and floor coverings from India. Between April 2021-January 2022, India exported US$ 1,072.43 million worth of handmade carpets and other floor coverings to the US. Germany and the UK are among the top 3 importers with April 2021-January 2022 imports valued at US$ 100 million and US$ 95 million respectively.
Government Initiatives
India regularly arranges domestic as well as international trade events and expositions in order to promote handmade carpets and to provide a platform for the exporters in the country. In order to encourage the handloom weaver and artisans, the government of India provides several facilities and subsidies. The Ministry of Textiles of India has signed several memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for the skill development of handloom weavers. In addition to this, subsidized loan and subsidy for handloom setup is also provided.
Government Body
Carpet Export Promotion Council India (CEPC)
CEPC was formed in 1982 by the Ministry of Textiles. The objective of the council is to promote handmade carpets, rugs and other floor coverings. Some of the activities taken up by the CEPC are fairs and exhibitions as a part of Market Access Initiative (MAI), liaising with the government, protecting the interest of the exporters in the global markets, conducting trade meets and surveys, conducting training and information dissemination.
3rd Floor, Niryat Bhawan
Rao Tula Ram Marg,
Vasant Vihar, Opposite Army Hospital,
Research and Referral,
New Delhi - 110 057
India
Tel.:+91-11-26153466/67
Fax: +91-11-26153465
Email: cepc.nd@gmail.com
Website: www.indiancarpets.com
