The COVID-19 pandemic has created a havoc for handicrafts businesses. Travel restrictions around the world has created problems for craftsmen and traders to import raw materials and export finished goods. Businesses had slowly begun to prosper after the second wave of the virus, however the third wave outbreak destroyed all progress made.

According to the Federation of Handicrafts Association of Nepal, trading of handicrafts inclined by 19% at the end of the 2077/78 fiscal year. However it has only declined this year. Traditional handicrafts such as Thanka, religious statues, wood carvings, etc. have not been exported much. Sales of contemporary handicrafts, such as goods made of felt, fibre and other natural fabrics haven’t been affected much. “The slight inclination seen in terms of trade of handicrafts is based on the export of contemporary handicrafts and oils”, says Rishiraj Subedi, Director of FHAN. 

Lack of proper raw materials and manpower has affected the production of cultural handicrafts severely. The rate of production of handicrafts like religious statues, Thanka art, etc has also decreased. “Handicrafts like these represent our cultural heritage. We weren’t able to market these goods properly due to the pandemic causing them to remain in stock instead of being sold”, says Subedi.