Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh annually exports lace products worth over ₹300 crore mainly to the US and European nations including Britain and Spain. Their exports will now be hit badly following the levy of 50 per cent tariff on Indian products by the US. In particular, the livelihood of more than one lakh women artisans involved in making lace products will be at stake for want of patronage for their products.
The lace products exported to the international market are furnishings, like bedcovers, cushion covers, table runners, place mats; garments, such as ladies tops and beachware; accessories, like purses, pouches, hand bags; and trims, such as motifs, border laces and necklaces. Traders get these lace products made by women artisans. Significantly, AP's share of exports is 80 per cent, while Delhi, Haryana and Goa provide the remaining supply. Women artisans from East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema and Krishna districts are actively involved in making lace products.