The slump in tourism is adversely affecting handicraft producers. Exports worth Rs 1.8 billion was exported in the first eight months of the current fiscal year, down 7 percent from the same period last year. The Handicraft Association of Nepal said demand for Nepali handicrafts has decreased significantly from the United States, Japan, Britain and Germany -all major importers. When there are fewer tourists, it is natural for the handicraft industry to take a beating, handicraft producers and exporters say. Pashmina exports declined by 28 percent in the last eight months. Nepal's exportable handicraft include pashmina, woollen goods, silver jewellery, metal craft, handmade paper, silk products, garments, dhaka products, woodcrafts, thangka and ceramics.