Thu Apr 17 07:32:43 UTC 2025: ## US Tariffs Threaten to Wipe Out Centuries-Old Kashmiri Carpet Industry
**Srinagar, Kashmir** – The Trump administration’s 28 percent tariff on imported goods is devastating the centuries-old Kashmiri hand-knotted carpet industry, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of artisans. While aimed at major exporters like China, the tariffs have inadvertently crippled this traditional craft, which relies heavily on US and European markets.
Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife Shameema, who have spent decades perfecting their craft, are among those facing hardship. They painstakingly create intricate, silk carpets, a skill passed down through generations. However, the increased cost of their carpets in the US market due to the tariffs is not translating into higher wages, but instead into canceled orders and reduced income.
Indian carpet exports to the US alone are valued at approximately $1 billion, a significant portion of the global $2 billion market. The tariffs are forcing US importers to reconsider orders, with some already canceling contracts and returning finished carpets. One supplier, Wilayat Ali, reported a dozen canceled orders and returned carpets from his trading partner.
The Dar family’s story reflects the broader crisis. Mohammad, who is one of the few remaining weavers in his neighborhood, laments that his skills, honed over decades, may become worthless due to lack of demand. The increased price in the US market will likely push consumers towards cheaper machine-made alternatives, further jeopardizing the artisans’ future.
Experts warn that unless international trade policies are adjusted to protect such traditional industries, the unique Kashmiri hand-knotted carpet legacy risks extinction. The 28% tariff isn’t just a number; it represents the potential loss of a cultural heritage and the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on this ancient craft.
First Piper 