Jewellery, rugs & toys power growth! India’s creative goods exports rise in FY26; UAE emerges top market
India’s exports of creative goods rose in the first seven months of FY26, driven by strong demand for fashion accessories, jewellery, carpets and toys, with the UAE emerging as the largest destination, according to an ET analysis.The exports of creative goods increased 7.3% year-on-year to $12.5 billion during April–October FY26, up from $11.7 billion in the same period last year. This segment includes products such as fashion accessories, jewellery, carpets, interior, and toys, with fashion accessories and jewellery continuing to dominate the export mix.The United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) defines creative goods as products involving “the cycle of creation, production and distribution of a tangible product with creative content, economic and cultural value and a market objective”. Over half of India’s creative goods exports were shipped to the UAE and the US during the period. UAE emerged as the fastest-growing market, with its share rising to 31% in April–October FY26 from 23.2% a year earlier. In contrast, US share declined to 26.1% from 34% over the same period.“A lot of front loading happened due to the US tariffs and there were Christmas orders which were shipped out which gave a bump up to the exports,” Manu Gupta, chairman of the Toy Association of India, said, ET reported.India’s growing role as a hub for outsourcing work such as game development and game support services has also contributed to the sector’s expansion. Among developing economies, India was the third-largest exporter of creative goods in 2023, after China and Hong Kong, accounting for 3% of global creative goods exports.Trade watchers noted that lab-grown diamonds are gaining traction in fashion jewellery, as affordability, convenience and demand for ethical and sustainable options appeal to younger consumers. The US, Spain, the UK, the UAE and the Netherlands remain the key markets for Indian fashion jewellery exports.
