The carpeting
industry first made its appearance in the sixteenth century, and today it has
become the largest producer and exporter of handmade carpets in both value and
volume. Approximately, 90 percent of such handmade carpets are exported to
other countries due to their magnificent designs, brilliant colors and
excellent quality. That’s not all; Indian handwoven carpets are featured in the
best home decorating magazines all
over the world as well. India is home to a rich testimony of craftsmanship and
cultural diversity in the variety of carpets that produced on an annual basis,
as follows:
- Indo-Persian: Produced in Varanasi, Shahjahanpur, Agra, and Jodhpur
- Silk: Produced in Kashmir
- Wool and Silk: Produced in Jaipur and Agra
- Handtufted: Produced in Panipat and Bhadohi
- Ziegler: Produced in Agra
- Kilim: Produced in Panipat, Mirzapur, and Rajasthan
 |
Apart from the
types of carpets mentioned, the industry includes Chindi (recycled) and
contemporary carpets as well. These carpets are exported to the United States
of America, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United Arab
Emirates. Though Denmark and Sweden comprise a very small market, they are in
turn connected to large retail chains such as IKEA. All the exports are handled
by the apex body Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) that identifies new
markets, sponsors participation in international events, provides financial
aid, resolves trade disputes and arranges buyer-seller gatherings.
Though Indian
carpets are revered for their assortment in design and colors, the export
industry has slumped in the last five years. Traditionally, carpet trade was
separated from other home textile products but has been recently integrated
into the same channel. They are now readily available in mainstream retail
chains and departmental stores at the expense of the wholesalers and importers.
In other words, customers have resorted to buying from the suppliers due to
larger quantities at a reasonable cost. Customers now lean towards sustainable
products using natural wood and recycled yarns with natural dyes.
Mahavir Pratap
Sharma (Immediate Past Chairman of the CEPC) has been quoted as saying, exporters
need constant funding at an international interest rate and the retraction of
state taxes and duty at par with international competitors. However,Sanjay
Kumar (Director of the CEPC) is more hopeful as he aims to goal a 50 percent
share in the global carpet export. On the other hand, India’s import and export
chart has remained unchanged in 2018-2019 as per the Economic Survey of India
(2019).
As per the
current insights, the carpet industry is dominated by the mid-end segment due
to the increasing demand for high quality and attractive designs yet at a
reasonable price. Yet, the growth in the real estate sector and product quality
is likely to impact the carpet market in the USA as well. Since most carpet
business owners are seasoned individuals, they prefer upfront payment over
online medium due to better checking of quality, color, and design.
Coming to future
trends of the carpet export industry, buyers now demand mid-segment carpets
while the demand for high-end products is expected to rise only marginally.
However, there are vendor challenges such as delayed delivery, and disparities
regarding sample and product at hand. Thus, the Indian government is expected
to ensure improved quality and online payment options, online and social media
marketing along with participation in international trade fairs to promote the
handwoven carpet business.
No comments:
Post a Comment