Nepal’s Handicraft Exports Reach Record High of Rs 3.26 Billion in Fiscal Year 2023/24

Nepal has witnessed a surge in handicraft exports, surpassing Rs 3.26 billion in the first ten and a half months of the fiscal year 2023/24. The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal (FHAN) highlighted that felt items have notably dominated these exports.

Uttam Prasad Devkota, Director General of FHAN, disclosed that from July 17, 2023, to May 28, 2024, Nepal exported felt items alone valued at over Rs 1.28 billion. This underscores a robust demand for Nepal’s unique handicrafts globally.

Nepal’s diverse range of handicraft exports includes products crafted from Allo (Himalayan nettle), bamboo, glass beads (potay), animal bones and horns, ceramic, Dhaka fabric, metals, garments, paper, silk, silverware, woodcrafts, wool products, stone carvings, herbal plants, and luxurious pashmina, among others. These exports are destined for markets spanning India, China, the United States, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Britain, Australia, and Singapore.

FHAN further noted a discernible trend toward higher international demand for advanced handicrafts, signaling a shift from traditional to contemporary artisanal products. This surge not only highlights Nepal’s rich cultural heritage but also its growing significance in global handicraft markets.

The Federation anticipates continued growth in exports as Nepal’s artisans continue to innovate and cater to evolving international tastes and preferences in handicrafts.