Exports of jute products from India reached Rs. 28 billion during the 2013-14 fiscal year, owing to the increasing demand for jute from the West. The global jute import market, which went through a lean period from 2011 to 2012 picked up again in 2013 as top markets in the US and Europe have restarted buying jute products from India. Jute bags are now a personal accessory, and shopping bags made of the fiber are gaining acceptance in the West, and demand for floor coverings, wall hangings, gunny bags, and gift articles made from jute are also increasing in India.
As per an RBI data, during the first half of 2013-14, exports of jute and jute products from the country totaled to US$ 181.8 million (approx. Rs. 11 billion). The jute sector occupies an important place in the Indian economy and the eastern region in particular. The jute industry provides direct employment to about 0.26 million workers, and supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families.
Around 0.14 million people are engaged in the tertiary sector and allied activities, supporting the jute economy. Presently it also contributes to exports to the tune of nearly Rs.1000 crore. The Indian jute industry, which has been facing several challenges in the past few years such as frequent lockouts, falling financial conditions of mills and low productivity, gained some fillip from this year's union budget with the proposed total exemption of a few jute products from excise duty.
INDIAN JUTE INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE IN 2013 - 2014 
