Imported carpets hit sales of Kashmiri products in India

21/11/2011 12:00 - 445 Views

The Kashmir carpet industry has been hit by dumping of the imported carpets at cheap prices in the Indian market.

The demand of the locally manufactured carpets in domestic market has also been affected by its expensive prices.

“The dumping of the carpets especially from China is affecting the demand of the locally produced carpets. We are producing expensive carpets which are unaffordable for the local population,” said noted economist of Valley, Prof Nisar Ali.

Owing to cheap prices of the foreign carpets from Turkey, Belgium and China, the demand for the Kashmir carpets has decreased by 20 per cent in the domestic market.

Normally, the prices per square feet of Kashmiri carpet range from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 while as the cost of Chinese carpets range from Rs150 to 400 per square feet.

“Demand for Chinese carpets is very high and our business is improving. Locals don’t afford expensive Kashmiri carpets. They prefer Chinese carpets which look like Kashmiri carpets,” said Imitiaz Hussian Hamdani, proprietor of Al-Kabeer Enterprises at Khankahi Moulla.

To increase the popularity of Kashmiri carpets, experts are seeking higher anti-dumping duty on imported carpets.

“Indian should impose anti-dumping duty on imported carpets. Then, foreign carpets will not be dumped here at cheap price which can affect its demand and improve demand for Kashmiri carpets. With heavy anti-dumping duty, our revenues can also increase,” said Ali.

However, Kashmiri carpets are in good demand in the foreign countries owing to its best quality and unique design.

“Majority of the carpets made here are exported to European countries. Being expensive these carpets are not meant for local market,” said the noted economist.

The growing demand of Kashmiri carpets in foreign markets is fetching good sales to the exporters.

“The demand of our own carpets is low in local market but its demand in the foreign market is quite good. I get orders from some parts of India and also from foreign countries,” said Abdul Majid Reshi proprietor of Reshi Carpets at Safa Kadal, Srinagar.

The economist said that Europe and North America are emerging major market for the Kashmiri carpets.

Source: risingkashmir.com