A significant development has occurred for India’s carpet sector as the United States has reduced import tariffs on Indian carpets from 50% to 18%. This decision has sparked optimism among exporters in Bhadohi, India’s carpet hub, and has bolstered the country’s competitive position in the global market.
India annually exports carpets worth around Rs 17,000 crore worldwide, with the US accounting for over 70% of these exports. Previously high tariffs made Indian carpets costly for US buyers, leading them to seek cheaper alternatives from countries like Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, and China. Experts anticipate that the tariff reduction will reverse this trend, making Indian carpets more competitively priced and restoring buyer confidence in the US market.
Imtiyaz Ahmed, Director of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) and a prominent exporter from Bhadohi, hailed the decision as a “lifeline” for the industry. He emphasized that the lowered duty of 18% will enable cost reductions, enhance product quality, and reinforce India’s global market presence. Industry analysts predict that the tariff cut will drive up demand for Indian hand-knotted carpets in the US.
Previously, high import duties had pushed American buyers towards cheaper options from countries like China and Pakistan. However, with prices expected to decrease, exporters foresee a surge in orders for weaving clusters in Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Varanasi. This resurgence is anticipated to create job opportunities for numerous weavers and artisans in Uttar Pradesh, many of whom had experienced reduced work prospects in recent months.
Exporters express confidence that with the tariff barrier alleviated, India’s centuries-old carpet industry, rooted in traditional craftsmanship, will regain momentum and solidify its position in the global market.
