When it comes to the production of handmade carpets, India can claim the red-carpet treatment. What makes it special is that this is a segment where the country has pipped even China in production.
India has a leadership position in handmade carpets because of its creative talent, says Mahavir Sharma, Past Chairman of Carpet Export Promotion Council. “Indian creativity, colours and design have outsmarted China. We have the niche skills to make such carpets. China did not understand the Europe and US markets and neither did it improvise or made any effort to bring in creativity. Our creative abilities are much better placed to cater to these markets,” he says.
Industry players claim that a commodity such as a handmade carpet is a recession-proof luxury product because of “its intangible promise of quality, prestige and long-lasting value.” Some carpets are treated as heirlooms. Royal families, industrialists and entrepreneurs around the world have collections of art, watches, carpets and other such products. “Leading decorators and designers recognise high quality, hand-knotted and antique or vintage carpets as pieces of art and good investments,” says Nishant Chandra, owner of Delhi-based Carpet Cellar. “There is growing appreciation for such carpets and craftsmanship.”
Therefore, Indian carpets are recognised worldwide for their eco-friendliness, subtle elegance, excellent designs, superior quality, vibrant colour and craftsmanship. “Also, Indian exporters are more responsive to international market trends and are bringing relevant collections to the market,” he says. Another advantage the country has is that it provides an unmatched range of products — in design and price points.
Facts and figures
The numbers also paint a favourable picture. According to data visualisation platform The Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), India is the world’s largest exporter of hand-knotted carpets. In 2020, India exported $288 million worth of knotted carpets, contributing to 36.6% of the global share. China has 6%. However, in the category of carpets and other textile floor coverings, which also include machine-made carpets and rugs, China’s 2020 exports were worth $2.89 billion, followed by Turkey at $2.63 billion and India at $1.71 billion. China, Turkey and India have a global share of 19.5%, 17.8% and 11.5%, respectively, in carpets and other textile floor coverings.
Read More at https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/sme-sector/indias-creativity-and-craftsmanship-in-handmade-carpets-exposes-the-limits-of-chinas-manufacturing-ability/articleshow/94017270.cms