However in dollar terms, there has been a slight decline in the performance of the sector from $219.525 million to $219.137 million during the period.

For fiscal 2000-01 the ministry of textiles has fixed a target of $650 million for the sector. According to , executive director of Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) Ms Sabitha Bhengra, the decline in the value of exports from the sector (in dollar terms) was basically due to heavy currency fluctuation. "In rupee terms we have done substantially well in all major markets especially in America, Asia and Africa," she said. But there is a slight decline in the quantity of goods exported under both the made-ups and fabrics category, she added. This trend is however expected to improve during the period November-January which is considered to be the peak season for the cotton handloom industry.

Figures released by HEPC show that, during the period April-September 2000, made-ups have shown a decline in the quantity of exports. It has gone down to 43,117 kg from 44,939 kg in the corresponding period of the previous year. However during the period the value of cotton handloom made-ups including floor coverings, bedlinen, towels, dish cloth and other made-up items has increased from Rs 849.06 crore to Rs 884.35 crore.