Weaving revival: Carpet cos hope to reclaim turf

NEW DELHI: After a near standstill in business, carpet exporters are now seeing some signs of activity.The punishing 50% US tariffs, including 25% penalty for Russian oil buys, had resulted in buyers putting orders on hold, which resulted in operations in Bhadohi and parts of J&K, the two carpet-making hubs, slowing down considerably.“There are 24-25 processes involved in carpet making. The entire chain had stopped, affecting us and the workers,” said Aslam Mahboob of Alam Rugs.With India being a dominant player in the handmade segment, where it competes with Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan, carpet makers are hoping to regain business they had lost to neighbouring countries. Some business had also moved to Turkiye, which faced 15% tariff, although it is a big player in the machine-made segment.Indian carpets and rugs saw export slipping nearly 9% to $735 million between April and Nov. The US accounted for more than half the exports from the country. In Sept, the decline was to the tune of 32%.“There were some special orders, otherwise orders dried up,” said Mahavir Pratap Sharma of Oscar Expo Design, a Jaipur-based company with units in Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh).There are now early signs of revival.American buyers are now back on calls, checking inventories and asking for photos of what’s there in the stocks. “The US executive order (for 18% tariff) has to be signed but we are giving finishing touches to some of the products we have. The buyers are very excited, and they are planning to come for an industry show in April,” said Sharma.Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad of Ferozson Exports said that carpet players in Jammu & Kashmir have a large European market, but they were also impacted. He is awaiting clarity on whether the zero reciprocal tariff benefit available to silk will also be offered for carpets, some of which are 100% silk.