J&K’s carpet industry calls for Government action against rising imports, duty evasion

Srinagar, Aug 2: In a letter addressed to Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, has raised urgent concerns about the increasing threat to India's carpet industry from rising imports and duty evasion.

Senior Vice President of the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association, Tarun Singla highlighted the critical need for government intervention to protect domestic manufacturers and national security.

India, one of the world's largest carpet producers, has seen its industry come under pressure from imports, particularly from China and Turkey. More alarmingly, there are reports of illegal carpet imports from Bangladesh and Nepal entering India through Calcutta and being distributed nationwide while evading duties and taxes.

The letter draws parallels between this current situation and past issues with trade through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which was curtailed due to links with terrorism funding. Singla emphasized that the carpet industry, centred in states like Uttar Pradesh,
Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan, provides employment to millions of artisans and contributes significantly to India's export earnings.

Despite India's carpet exports valued at approximately USD 1.37 billion in fiscal year 2020-2021, the domestic industry faces challenges from these import practices. Singla pointed out that countries like Turkey and Iran have implemented protective measures, with Turkey imposing nearly 90% import duty on carpets and Iran completely banning carpet imports.

The industry is now calling on the Indian government to adopt similar stringent measures. Suggestions include implementing strict restrictions or heavy duties on carpet imports and addressing illegal import practices. Singla has also requested the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) to advocate for these measures with the government.

As the situation unfolds, the carpet industry awaits the government's response to these pressing
concerns, hoping for swift action to safeguard both the industry and national security interests.