Sourcing Metal Products from India for your Brand
India has emerged as a significant exporter of metal products, ranging from traditional handicrafts to industrial goods. According to Volza, Between March 2023 and February 2024, India exported approximately 23,597 shipments of metal handicrafts, marking a 54% growth compared to the previous year. The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are among the top destinations for these exports.
In the broader metal products category, India recorded 290,265 export shipments during the same period, positioning itself as the third-largest exporter globally, following China and Germany.
India’s metal export sector encompasses a diverse range of products, including brassware, aluminium utensils, stainless steel kitchenware, iron décor, and cast metal furniture. Artisan clusters in India are renowned for their handcrafted brass, copper, and aluminium items, which blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs.
Indian metalware stands out for its hand-finished detailing, solid material use, and timeless appeal, providing a competitive edge in global markets.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essentials of sourcing metal products from India, including key metals used, products available, regional production hubs where you can find the best suppliers and skilled labour, various finishes and more.
Table of Contents
Metal products you can Source from India
There is a huge variety of metal products that can be sourced from India. Here are some of the top product categories:
• Metal Décor objects: Handcrafted metal figurines, idols, and showpieces featuring traditional and contemporary designs.
• Metal Vases:Unique statement bowls, vases made from polished or hammered metals.
• Metal Bar carts: Often made from brass, iron, or aluminium and finished with powder coating or antique polish.
• Metal Lanterns:Intricately designed metal lanterns for homes and outdoor spaces.
• Metal Wall Mirrors:Ornate or contemporary metal-framed mirrors.
• Metal Wall Decor:Metal wall art, including abstract, geometric, or nature-inspired designs, hammered metal decor.
•Metal Kitchen Utility products: High-quality spice boxes, serving trays, utensils, bottles, organizers, tea sets etc.
• Metal Furniture:Metal-framed chairs, tables, stools, etc. for both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Metal Bar ware:Trendy and functional cocktail shakers, bar tool sets, wine racks, bar carts made of stainless steel, aluminium or brass.
• Metal Home Utility Products:Metal trays, storage baskets, hooks, and organizers.
• Metal Handicrafts:Traditional Indian handicrafts like lamps, pooja thalis, decorative bells, and cultural artifacts.
• Metal Garden Accessories: Decorative planters, wind chimes, sculptures etc.
List of Commonly used Metals in India
Aluminium
Lightweight and cost-effective, aluminium is widely used for handicrafts and home decor. It is corrosion-resistant and easy to cast or shape, making it ideal for export. Increasingly, it is being used as a substitute for brass due to its lower cost.
Brass
A traditional metal in India, brass is used in utensils, sculptures, and luxury decor items. Known for its durability and bright golden appearance, brass remains a staple in both modern and classical designs.
Copper
Copper is valued for its health benefits and aesthetics. It is used in water bottles, tumblers, and kitchen accessories. Copper’s reddish tone and ability to be polished make it popular in both functional and decorative products.
Iron
Iron is commonly used for heavy-duty items such as planters, lanterns, racks, and furniture. Due to its tendency to rust, it is typically treated with powder coating to improve durability.
Production Hubs of Metal Products in India
Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh)
Often called the “Brass City,” Moradabad has a metalworking legacy that dates back to the 17th century during the Mughal era. Today, it is India’s most prominent hub for metal home decor products, with over 5,000 export-oriented manufacturing units. It is known for cast brass, aluminium, and copper items such as lanterns, trays, candle stands, and vases. Moradabad accounts for more than 40% of India’s total handicraft exports, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings. The city’s artisans combine age-old skills with contemporary aesthetics, and many exporters have adapted to international quality standards and compliance certifications.
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
Jaipur has a long-standing tradition of metal engraving and gemstone-encrusted metalwork. The city’s metal craft heritage can be traced back to the 18th century when Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II established dedicated artisan zones, inviting skilled workers from across the subcontinent. Jaipur is particularly well known for its silver and brass jewelry with embedded rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones. Today, it is home to over 1,200 registered exporters, catering to both fashion and home decor markets. The blend of traditional techniques and modern designs makes Jaipur a favourite for premium handcrafted metal products.
Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Jodhpur is a key hub for wrought iron and industrial-style furniture, often finished in rustic or powder-coated designs suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. Historically a centre for wood and iron craftsmanship, Jodhpur now boasts over 800 exporters specialising in metal-based furniture, planters, and accessories. The city’s metal products are especially popular among buyers looking for farmhouse, vintage, or reclaimed-style decor. With a growing export infrastructure, Jodhpur continues to serve as a key supplier to markets in the USA, Europe, and Australia.
Need help to find Best Indian Suppliers for your products?
Key Metal finishes and treatments
1. Powder Coating
Powder coating is a popular and durable finish used primarily for iron and steel items. The process involves spraying electrostatically charged powder onto the surface and then curing it under heat. This finish is available in a wide range of colours and textures and provides excellent resistance to corrosion, fading, and scratching.
2. Electroplating
Electroplating is commonly used on brass, iron, and aluminium products to give them a shiny, polished look or a matte, antique effect. Popular plating options include nickel, chrome, copper, and brass. This process also enhances the corrosion resistance and surface hardness of the product.
3. Antique and Vintage Finishes
To create an aged or rustic look, metals are treated with patinas, chemicals, or paint layering techniques. Finishes like “antique brass,” “vintage copper,” “distressed iron,” and “burnt metal” are particularly popular for decorative items and furniture. These are typically hand-applied for a more organic, uneven finish.
4. Polished and Mirror Finishes
Brass, aluminium, and stainless steel items—especially in kitchenware and tableware—often undergo extensive buffing to achieve a high-gloss, mirror-like polish. This finish adds a luxurious appearance and is commonly used in hospitality products and premium home décor.
5. Enamel Coating
Enamel is applied to metal surfaces to add vibrant colours and protective layers. Found in both cookware and decorative items, this glossy finish adds aesthetic appeal while also providing resistance to heat and moisture.
6. Lacquering
Lacquer is often used as a protective topcoat over polished, plated, or painted metals to preserve the finish. It also helps prevent tarnishing in brass and copper products, especially when exported to humid climates.
7. Hammered and Textured Finishes
Hammered metal finishes are manually or mechanically created to give a handcrafted, uneven surface texture. These finishes are commonly seen in copper, brass, and aluminium products, offering both aesthetic appeal and grip in functional items like trays or planters.
India produces a wide variety of metal products—brass, aluminium, copper, stainless steel, cast iron, and mixed metals. Know what suits your market.
•Brass and copper are ideal for decorative items.
•Stainless steel works well for kitchenware.
•Cast iron and wrought iron are often used in furniture and garden accessories.
Be clear about the finish you want (e.g., antique, brushed, polished, enamelled), as this greatly affects the product’s appearance and price.
An Ultimate Guide to Product Sourcing from India
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