Handicraft exports grew about 12 per cent year-on-year to $205 million in May this year despite demand slowdown in western markets like Europe.
In May 2011, these exports stood at $183 million, according to the data provided by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH).
“There is an increase in demand from new markets such as China, West Asia and Latin America,” EPCH Executive Director, Mr Rakesh Kumar, said.
The demand, however, is still weak in the US and European markets that are witnessing sluggish economic growth. The US and Europe together account for over 60 per cent of the country's total handicraft exports.
Among the items that registered maximum growth in exports in May were woodwares that saw a rise of 53 per cent, followed by imitation jewellery 46 per cent and shawls as artwares 32 per cent.