Where brass meets brilliance, and tradition powers trade.
India’s cultural richness is woven into every thread, carved into every sculpture, and cast into every piece of metalware crafted by its artisans. Among the country’s many artisan clusters, Moradabad, a city in western Uttar Pradesh, shines as a global epicenter of handcrafted metalware. Nicknamed “The Brass City of India,” Moradabad is not only known for its artistry but also for its strategic geographical location, which has made it one of the most important handicraft export hubs in the world.
This blog explores the fascinating journey of Moradabad—from its Mughal roots to modern global markets—and why it remains a top sourcing destination for buyers across the globe.
Moradabad’s Strategic Location: A Gateway to Global Trade
Moradabad is situated at 28.83°N latitude and 78.78°E longitude, along the fertile banks of the Ramganga River, just 167 km east of Delhi. Its location provides exceptional access to major transport and trade infrastructure:
- Metropolitan Links: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata
- Sea Ports: Nhava Sheva (Mumbai), Mundra (Gujarat)
- Airports: IGI Delhi (international), Bareilly, Dehradun (regional)
- Connectivity: National highways and the Northern Railway network ensure smooth inland logistics
Key Trade Enablers:
- Proximity to the National Capital Region (NCR): Enables access to international trade fairs, diplomatic missions, and global buyers
- Inland Container Depot (ICD): Located within Moradabad, streamlining customs clearance and container handling for exports
- Export Promotion Industrial Park (EPIP): Offers state-of-the-art facilities for manufacturing, packaging, and exporting handicrafts
Moradabad’s unique combination of artisan talent and geographic advantage has helped it transform from a regional market town into a global export hub.
The Craft Legacy: A Tradition Honed Over Centuries
Moradabad’s handicraft legacy traces back to the 17th century Mughal era, when skilled artisans were commissioned to create intricate metal artifacts for royal palaces. Over generations, these craftspeople evolved their skills, adapting to global tastes while preserving age-old techniques.
Today, Moradabad is a bustling industrial center, home to thousands of artisan families, workshops, and export units—a vibrant ecosystem where tradition meets innovation.
What Moradabad Makes: Art in Every Element
Moradabad’s artisan community produces a wide array of handcrafted items, combining metal, wood, glass, and even marble to create decor, utility, and gifting items that sell across continents.
Key Product Categories:
- Brassware: Vases, trays, bowls, religious idols
- Iron & Aluminum Decor: Garden planters, wall hangings, lanterns
- EPNS Artware: Electroplated nickel silver tableware with a ceremonial finish
- Glass & Wooden Crafts: Mirrors, serving trays, photo frames
- Home Utility Items: Bathroom sets, spice jars, kitchen organizers
- Urns: Humane Urns, Pet Urns, Keepsake Urns
Each item embodies ethnic elegance, contemporary style, and functional design—a combination that resonates with global interior and lifestyle markets.
Moradabad’s Export Strength
Moradabad is India’s largest exporter of metal handicrafts, contributing over 40% of the country’s total exports in the segment. Its products are found in premium stores, boutique retailers, and e-commerce platforms across the world.
Top Export Segments:
- Metal Artware: Brass, copper, aluminum, EPNS, iron
- Fusion Decor: Combining glass, wood, resin, or stone
- Festival & Religious Items: Diwali décor, Christmas ornaments, pooja thalis
- Furniture Accessories & Utility Decor: Handles, knobs, bathroom decor
- Corporate & Custom Gifting: Logo-engraved pieces, personalized utility gifts
Export Destinations:
United States, Germany, United Kingdom, France, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands
Why Buyers Work with Sourcing Agents in Moradabad
International buyers often rely on local sourcing agents to navigate Moradabad’s complex yet rewarding artisan ecosystem.
Services Provided:
- Vetting and negotiating with artisan suppliers
- Coordinating custom product development and sampling
- Conducting production inspections and quality checks
- Overseeing logistics, packaging, and documentation
- Bridging cultural and communication gaps
Who Benefits Most:
- Importers & distributors
- E-commerce & D2C brands
- Designers & lifestyle retailers
- Buyers needing low MOQ or consistent custom development
A knowledgeable sourcing agent ensures quality, compliance, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery—critical elements in a competitive global market.
Panoramic Sourcing is a trusted sourcing agent for Moradabad Handicraft products with its physical office and team presence there.
The Future of Moradabad Handicrafts: Tradition Meets Trend
To keep pace with evolving consumer tastes, Moradabad’s artisan community is embracing design innovation and sustainability while preserving its rich heritage.
Trending Craft Directions:
- Fusion Materials: Metal + wood, glass, resin, marble
- Minimalism: Clean lines, matte finishes, neutral tones
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Recycled metals, paper-free packaging
- Rustic Aesthetics: Distressed finishes, antique styles
- Functional Decor: Decor that doubles as utility items
- Holiday Collections: Seasonal décor for Christmas, Diwali, Easter
- Personalization: Engraving, monograms, branding options
- Storytelling: Artisan bios, eco-certifications, premium packaging
Moradabad is not just keeping up—it’s setting trends in the global handcrafted home decor space.
Conclusion: Moradabad – Where Heritage Becomes Opportunity
Moradabad is more than just a city; it’s a thriving craft culture, a strategic trade hub, and a global business opportunity waiting to be tapped. Its artisans continue to breathe life into metal, wood, and glass—creating products that reflect both India’s soul and the world’s evolving design sensibilities.
If you’re a buyer, designer, retailer, or importer seeking ethically-made, high-quality handcrafted products, Moradabad offers the perfect blend of tradition, scale, and sophistication.
From Mughal roots to modern exports—Moradabad is where brass meets brilliance.
Looking for handcrafted made in Moradabad?
👉 Visit www.panoramicsourcing.com
📧 Email: info@panoramicsourcing.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9811934229 | +91-9810538363
Written by Ajit Jha
Panoramic Sourcing
Ajit Jha is the co-founder of Panoramic Sourcing and leads the Quality Department. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked with a wide range of international buyers to ensure product quality, compliance, and smooth sourcing from India. Ajit is known for his hands-on approach and sharp eye for detail.