Rug pulled from under carpet industry

Varanasi: With the American market accounting for almost 60% of India’s carpet exports of Rs 16,000 crore, amounting to nearly Rs 9,600 crore, the tariff hike is making the industry sweat, reports Rajeev Dikshit. Already, 85% of orders from US buyers have been put on hold.The sector is now looking towards govt for relief as Turkey and Pakistan are set to gain at India’s cost. Bhadohi-Mirzapur belt in UP accounts for 50% of the country’s total handmade carpet exports.Sanjay Gupta, director of Carpet Export Promotion Council, said: “While Rs 9,600 crore may not appear substantial in broader economic spectrum, its impact on the socio-economic fabric of rural India is immense. This export directly supports the livelihood of more than 13 lakh people, predominantly artisans and weavers.”