A steep 28-percent tariff imposed by the US significantly raises prices for imported Kashmiri carpets, affecting American consumers and retailers. Artisans like Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife, Shameema, have dedicated their lives to crafting these expensive carpets made from silk and wool, passed down through generations in Kashmir. Despite their skill, low incomes remain a challenge. The tariffs, aimed primarily at China, unintentionally threaten the delicate balance of traditional handicrafts in Kashmir, which heavily rely on the US market, amidst competition from cheaper, mass-produced alternatives.
The steep 28-percent tariff imposed by the US means the imported carpets will become significantly more expensive for American consumers and retailers.
Kashmiri traders say that US President Donald Trump's tariffs on imports can deal a hard blow to an already threatened business that is vying to survive amid mass-produced carpets.
Generations of artisans have for centuries handed down the craft to ensure its survival, and while the carpets are expensive, most craftspeople can barely make ends meet.
Although the tariffs were primarily aimed at chief exporters like China, they have inadvertently ensnared traditional handicraft industries from regions like Kashmir, which depend on US and European markets for survival.
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