Key Highlights:

• Indo Count Industries Limited ranked first in the handicraft exporters list, contributing 6.39% to the top exported handicrafts.

• The combined value of India's top five handicraft exports in 2024–2025 was 6.73 billion.

• Walmart Inc., the US-based hypermarket, is the top importer of Indian handicrafts.

• Embroidered & decorative textile articles are the most exported Indian handicrafts.

• The US has been the major importer of Indian handicraft exports during 2024-2025.

From local bazaars to global shelves, the Indian handicrafts, which once started as a local craftsmanship, have now become a billion-dollar export market. Diverse and unique designs, fine quality, traditional warmth, and competitive pricing drive the demand for export of Indian handicrafts.

The export of Indian handicrafts reflects the cultural uniqueness of each state. The exports range from bamboo crafts from Assam and Tripura to textiles from Gujarat and Rajasthan. Along with stone sculptures, carpets, wooden handicrafts, and metalware from Uttar Pradesh and wooden handicrafts.

Other handicrafts include papier-mâché pieces from Kashmir, West Bengali leather and terracotta handicrafts, and jute goods.

The export list further expands to Rajasthani jewelry, wall decor and paintings from Bihar, Maharashtra, and Odisha, and coir goods from Kerala.

Multiple FTAs, production-linked schemes, brand promotion, ease of trade policies, and awareness of Indian culture are among the key factors promoting global export of Indian handicrafts. The North European countries have a major demand for the Indian handicrafts.
 

Top Handicraft Exporters In India 

 

The handicraft exporters have created a brand name for Indian handcrafts in the global market.

As per export data, Indo Count Industries Limited, a well-known manufacturer of high-quality textiles and fabrics, tops the list with a shipment value of 6.39%. Shobikaa Impex Private Limited, a major producer and seller of decorative and home furnishing products, follows with 1.40%. K H Exports India Private Limited contributes 1.14%; it produces and distributes handwoven textiles and garments with international demands. Premier Fine Linens Private Limited, with 1.08% of handicraft exports, is well-known for premium linens and bedding items. Lastly, Bharat Forge Limited, contributing 0.88%, is another key contributor of craft-based products in certain segments.

These exporters leverage the trade policies for large-scale production and export the Indian craftsmanship across continents. They are the core pillars of the handicraft export market in India.
 

Top Destinations for Export of Indian Handicrafts

The Indian handicrafts are well known globally for quality, fine design, and competitive pricing. The demand is high, mainly among the North European buyers. As per trade import data, the United States leads the list, with $2.61 billion worth of imports during 2024-2025.

Next is the United Kingdom with imports worth $419.55 million. The imports include traditional textiles, home décor, and decorative items. Germany imports $410.59 million worth of handicrafts to fulfill its domestic demand for specific traditional Indian handicrafts. France and Italy also feature among the key markets, with $243.81 million and $190.90 million in imports, respectively.

These imports are backed by growing recognition of Indian culture, ease of access, quality products, competitive prices, and the uniqueness of Indian craftsmanship that encompasses its culture.

Top Global Partners For Handicraft Exporters

One of the main factors driving customer demand for Indian handicrafts is the growing desire for eco-friendly and traditional goods. Sellers and distributors across the globe import Indian handicrafts to supplement their consumers' demand for unique and creative handicrafts.

The leading partner for Indian handicraft exporters is Walmart Inc., which leads with 1.98% of shipments. It is one of the world’s largest retail chains, offering a wide range of home and lifestyle products. Next is Costco Wholesale Corporation, at 1.12%, a membership-based warehouse retailer known for bulk products and premium goods. Next is Home Goods, contributing 1.03%, which specializes in home décor and furnishings. Williams Sonoma Singapore Pte Ltd, with 0.82%, and Ross Procurement Inc., at 0.59%, are part of a global retail chain that offers affordable home decor, kitchenware, and lifestyle items. These partners leverage India’s large cultural resources to grow and expand on the booming demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products.
 

Most Exported Type of Handicrafts

The Indian artifacts are a blend of culture, craftsmanship, and skilled work. High-quality material, durability, authenticity, and dynamic designs drive the global demand for handicraft exports. The Indian export market has multiple products across various sectors.

As per import-export data, textiles are the most exported handicraft, especially the embroidered and decorative textile articles, with exports worth $2.12 billion. Unique designs, global fashion, and home décor trends drive the demand. Next in line are leather handicrafts (4202), including bags, wallets, and pouches, which accounted for $1.84 billion worth of exports. They are known for durability, craftsmanship, and style. Marble and stone handicrafts (6802), like carved statues and décor pieces, amounted to $1.30 billion worth of exports and are admired for their precision and artistic detail.

Iron and Steel use in Wooden furniture (732690) and handmade carpets & rugs (5701) are next in the top five handicraft exports list, with exports of $1.11 billion and $352.39 million, respectively. Handcrafting processes, high-quality materials, and designs reflecting Indian heritage drive the demand for wooden furniture.

Consistent efforts of skilled artisans and the love and pride of exporters towards the culture back the exports of these high-in-demand handicrafts. 

Here are the steps to export handicrafts from India

• Step 1: Business Registration
  Register your handicraft business and obtain an Import Export Code (IEC), which is mandatory for international trade. This also helps build credibility with global buyers.

• Step 2: Learn HS code classification
  Learn the correct HS code segregation for items like wooden décor, textiles, leather goods, marble crafts, or handmade carpets. Research product demand and decide on the product.

• Step 3: Research Global Markets
  Understand which countries demand your handicrafts, their quality standards, pricing trends, and buyer preferences. Learn market trends and approach the buyers.

• Step 4: Connect with Verified Buyers
  Raise a request for shortlisted buyers and obtain verified contact details. Pitch and share product samples.

• Step 5: Manage Packaging and Logistics
  Ensure safe, strong, and export-compliant packaging, along with required shipping and documentation, to protect delicate handicrafts during transit.

• Step 6: Leverage Export Incentives for Artisans
  Track export incentives through government websites and utilize government support schemes, like Export incentives for handicrafts, including RoDTEP (tax rebates), IES (lower credit interest), EPCG (duty-free capital goods), Duty Drawback (import duty refunds), and MAI (marketing & trade fair support), along with state-level subsidies and awards for artisans.

Following these steps helps artisans and exporters grow confidently in global markets while showcasing India’s rich craftsmanship.
 

In A Nutshell

Handicraft export has grown substantially in the past few years. Design trends and dynamic consumer mindsets have been key elements in increasing the demand. Consumers' inclination and increasing liking for the Indian culture has boosted the handicrafts exports. The export of handicrafts increased by 4.67% in 2023–2025 compared to the previous year. Business owners can leverage the market trends and add variety to the handicraft export items list.

Business owners can follow the government websites to track production-linked incentives, trade supportive policies, and promote brands on various platforms. Business owners can leverage trade data by tracking buyer purchases. And reach out to verified buyers through the Ex-Im application by The Dollar Business.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which country is the largest importer of Indian handicrafts?
Like most of the sectors, the United States remains the top destination for Indian handicrafts. It topped the importer list with imports worth $2.61 billion, followed by the UK and Germany.

2. What is the highest exported product from India?
Embroidered and decorative textile articles under the textile category have the most demand. They top the list with exports worth 2.12 billion during 2024-2025.

3. Are handicraft exports profitable?
Yes, due to rising global demand for sustainable and handmade products and the high pricing of luxury and semi-luxury handicrafts, margins are strong for exporters with quality products.

4. How can I find international buyers for handicrafts?
Track market trends, attend trade fairs, and utilize trade data platforms like Ex-Im to monitor buyer purchases and reach out to verified buyers.

5. Do handicraft exporters get government support?
Yes, there are multiple schemes, including export incentives for handicrafts, RoDTEP (tax rebates), IES (lower credit interest), EPCG (duty-free capital goods), Duty Drawback (import duty refunds), and MAI (marketing & trade fair support), along with state-level subsidies and awards for artisans. Schemes under the Ministry of Textiles and EPCH offer subsidies, marketing assistance, and participation in international exhibitions.

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