Carpet exporters predict loss of business, labourer migration

INDIA's carpet exporters fear that the 50% tariff imposed by the US could choke cash flows, stall production, and push lakhs of artisans and labourers out of work.

- PUSHITA DEY @ New Delhi

Concerns have escalated since US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% duty on Indian exports on August 6. Since then, most orders from the US—India's largest carpet market—have either been cancelled or indefinitely put on hold. Factories in carpet hubs such as Bhadohi, Panipat, Jaipur, and Bikaner have slowed operations, with hundreds of workers already unemployed.

"Labourers are paid based on the square feet of carpet they knit. With shipments stalled, production has nearly stopped. Around 50% of the workers have already gone back home," said Inder Mohta of Bikaner Handloom Carpets.