The total global market size of both machine woven and handmade carpets and floor covering is about $35-40 billion per annum and handmade rugs have a share of about $5 billion in it. India has a share of about $1.6 billion, or about 35 per cent in the handmade carpets and rugs category, according to Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC).
The domestic export market of India currently stands at about $2.2 million for handmade rugs. The major markets for carpets made in India are the US (45 per cent share or $0.8 billion), EU and UK (20 per cent share each), told Mahavir Pratap Sharma, chairman, CEPC, in an interview to Fibre2Fashion.
New fibres and technologies like linen, hemp, jute and blended materials are trending in the global carpet industry. Also, hand tools have made strong inroads into the process of finishing and added much needed improvement on the finish and time required for the industry.
“There are many initiatives which CEPC has planned for 2019-20. It has launched a new social media marketing and branding campaign. It is also planning to open warehouses in China, and provide a permanent place for Indian exporters to stock their merchandise to sell in mainland China,” said Sharma. “Besides, CEPC is making itself more socially and environmentally compliant and adept for the future. Lastly, CEPC has come out with a weaver training programme, especially for women.”
“Indian manufacturers are very adaptive to new colours, designs, raw materials and products. And this trend will continue to grow in the right direction,” added Sharma.
CEPC is a non-profit organisation set up by the ministry of textiles to promote export of carpets, handmade knotted carpets, rugs, floor coverings and other allied products. With over 2,500 members across the country, CEPC helps sourcing needs of an importer anywhere in the world and selling needs of Indian exporters.
