Trump: Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir

Trump: Deeply disturbing news out of Kashmir

The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has drawn global attention, with Vice President of the United States JD Vance extending his condolences to the victims. While the focus remains on the tragic incident, another significant issue is unfolding in the region: the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on the centuries-old Kashmiri carpet industry.

Kashmiri traders and artisans are bracing for a potential blow from the tariffs, which were initially aimed at major exporters like China but have inadvertently ensnared traditional handicraft industries such as Kashmiri carpets. The industry, which has survived decades of conflict and changing fashion trends, is now facing an uncertain future due to the steep 28% tariff imposed on American imports [2].

The tariffs could significantly increase the cost of imported carpets for American consumers and retailers, potentially leading to reduced orders and lower incomes for weavers. Mohammad Yousuf Dar, a Kashmiri carpet artisan, expressed his concern, "If there is no demand, our skills feel worthless," highlighting the precarious situation faced by thousands of families relying on this craft for their livelihood [2].

The increased cost to consumers in the U.S. does not translate into higher wages for weavers, experts say, but rather often leads to reduced orders and growing uncertainty. This price hike could also push buyers toward cheaper, machine-made alternatives, leaving Kashmiri artisans in the lurch.

Wilayat Ali, a Kashmiri carpet supplier, reported that his trading partner has already canceled at least a dozen orders and returned some dozen carpets due to the tariffs. The exporter's decision is based on the hard arithmetic of profit and loss, as the tariffs make it less profitable to export traditional hand-knotted carpets [2].

Unless international trade policies shift to protect traditional industries, Kashmir’s hand-knotted legacy may continue to fray until it disappears. The impact of these tariffs is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and the livelihoods of artisans in conflict zones.

References:

[1] https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/jd-vance-condolences-pahalgam-terror-attack-kashmir-125042201446_1.html
[2] https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/trending/ap-photos-trump-tariffs-threaten-the-survival-of-the-centuries-old-kashmir/