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Arab News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Trump tariffs threaten the survival of the centuries-old Kashmiri carpet industry
SRINAGAR: Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife, Shameema, sit cross-legged before their loom, deftly tying consecutive knots to create the floral patterns of the famed Kashmiri carpets that are now threatened by the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs. Genuine hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are typically made from pure silk, and sometimes pure wool, which is more challenging. Generations of artisans have for centuries handed down the craft to ensure its survival, and while the carpets are sold for quite a sum, most craftspeople can barely make ends meet. 'I just help my husband so that we have a modicum of decent income to run our household,' Shameema, 43, said as she and Mohamad rhythmically plucked at the colorful silk threads in their dimly lit workshop in Indian-controlled Kashmir's main city, Srinagar. They periodically glance at a yellowed scrap of paper, known as Taleem, or instructions, showcasing the pattern they are working on in an ancient shorthand of symbols and numbers and a cryptic color map. Both learned the craft at the ages of 9 and 10, respectively. The industry has survived decades of conflict over the disputed region between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan and withstood the fickleness of fashion to stay in demand, adorning mansions and museums alike. However, Kashmiri traders say that US President Donald Trump's tariffs on American imports can deal a hard blow to an already threatened business that is vying to survive amid mass-produced carpets, which are less costly, and artisans abandoning the industry. Although the tariffs were primarily aimed at major exporters like China, they've inadvertently ensnared traditional handicraft industries from regions like Kashmir, which depend on US and European markets for survival. Carpet exports from India to the US alone are valued at approximately $1.2 billion, out of a total global export value of $2 billion, according to official data. Mohamad, 50, said he is the only weaver left out of over 100 who shifted to other jobs some two decades back in his neighborhood in Srinagar city's old downtown. 'I spend months knotting a single rug,' he said, 'but if there is no demand, our skills feel worthless,' he added. Still, thousands of families in Kashmir rely on this craft for their livelihood and the steep 28 percent tariff imposed means the imported carpets will become significantly more expensive for American consumers and retailers. 'If these carpets are going to be more expensive in America, does that mean our wages will rise too?' Mohamad asked. Not likely. The increased cost to consumers in the US doesn't translate into higher wages for weavers, experts say, but rather often leads to reduced orders, lower incomes, and growing uncertainty for the artisans. This price hike could also push buyers toward cheaper, machine-made alternatives, leaving Kashmiri artisans in the lurch. Insiders say that unless international trade policies shift to protect traditional industries, Kashmir's hand-knotted legacy may continue to fray until it disappears. Wilayat Ali, a Kashmiri carpet supplier, said his trading partner, who exports the carpets to the US, Germany and France, has already canceled at least a dozen orders already in the making. 'The exporter also returned some dozen carpets,' he said. 'It boils down to the hard arithmetic of profit and loss,' Ali explained. 'They don't see thousands of knots in a carpet that takes months to make.'
Al Jazeera
17-04-2025
- Business
- Al Jazeera
Photos: Trump's tariffs threaten Kashmir's carpet-weaving legacy
Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife, Shameema, sit cross-legged in front of their loom, deftly tying consecutive knots to create the floral patterns of the famed Kashmiri carpets that are now threatened by the Trump administration's sweeping global tariffs. Genuine hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are typically made from pure silk, and sometimes pure wool. 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. 'I just help my husband so that we have a modicum of decent income to run our household,' Shameema, 43, said as she and Mohammad rhythmically plucked at the colourful silk threads in their dimly lit workshop in Indian-administered Kashmir's main city, Srinagar. They periodically glance at a yellowed scrap of paper, known as Taleem, or instructions, showcasing the pattern they are working on in an ancient shorthand of symbols and numbers and a cryptic colour map. Mohammad and Shameema learned the craft at the ages of nine and 10, respectively. The industry has survived decades of conflict over the disputed region between India and Pakistan and withstood the fickleness of fashion to stay in demand, adorning mansions and museums alike. However, 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, which are less costly, and artisans abandoning the industry. 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. Carpet exports from India to the US alone are valued at approximately $1bn, out of a total global export value of $2bn, according to official data. Mohammad, 50, said he is the only weaver left out of more than 100 who shifted to other jobs about 20 years ago in his neighbourhood in Srinagar city's old centre. 'I spend months knotting a single rug, but if there is no demand, our skills feel worthless,' he said. Still, thousands of families in Kashmir rely on this craft for their livelihood, and the steep 28-percent tariff imposed by the US means the imported carpets will become significantly more expensive for American consumers and retailers. 'If these carpets are going to be more expensive in America, does that mean our wages will rise too?' Mohammad asked. Not likely. The increased cost to consumers in the US does not translate into higher wages for weavers, experts say, but rather often leads to reduced orders, lower incomes, and growing uncertainty for the artisans. This price hike could also push buyers towards cheaper, machine-made alternatives, leaving Kashmiri artisans in the lurch. Insiders say that unless international trade policies shift to protect traditional industries, Kashmir's hand-knotted legacy may continue to fray until it disappears. Wilayat Ali, a Kashmiri carpet supplier, said his trading partner, who exports the carpets to the US, Germany and France, has already cancelled at least a dozen orders in the making. 'The exporter also returned some dozen carpets,' he said. 'It boils down to the hard arithmetic of profit and loss,' Ali explained. 'They do not see thousands of knots in a carpet that takes months to make.'
The Independent
17-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
AP PHOTOS: Trump tariffs threaten the survival of the centuries-old Kashmiri carpet industry
Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife, Shameema, sit cross-legged before their loom, deftly tying consecutive knots to create the floral patterns of the famed Kashmiri carpets that are now threatened by the Trump administration's sweeping tariffs. Genuine hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are typically made from pure silk, and sometimes pure wool, which is more challenging. Generations of artisans have for centuries handed down the craft to ensure its survival, and while the carpets are sold for quite a sum, most craftspeople can barely make ends meet. 'I just help my husband so that we have a modicum of decent income to run our household,' Shameema, 43, said as she and Mohamad rhythmically plucked at the colorful silk threads in their dimly lit workshop in Indian-controlled Kashmir's main city, Srinagar. They periodically glance at a yellowed scrap of paper, known as Taleem, or instructions, showcasing the pattern they are working on in an ancient shorthand of symbols and numbers and a cryptic color map. Both learned the craft at the ages of 9 and 10, respectively. The industry has survived decades of conflict over the disputed region between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan and withstood the fickleness of fashion to stay in demand, adorning mansions and museums alike. However, Kashmiri traders say that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on American imports can deal a hard blow to an already threatened business that is vying to survive amid mass-produced carpets, which are less costly, and artisans abandoning the industry. Although the tariffs were primarily aimed at major exporters like China, they've inadvertently ensnared traditional handicraft industries from regions like Kashmir, which depend on U.S. and European markets for survival. Carpet exports from India to the U.S. alone are valued at approximately $1.2 billion, out of a total global export value of $2 billion, according to official data. Mohamad, 50, said he is the only weaver left out of over 100 who shifted to other jobs some two decades back in his neighborhood in Srinagar city's old downtown. 'I spend months knotting a single rug,' he said, 'but if there is no demand, our skills feel worthless,' he added. Still, thousands of families in Kashmir rely on this craft for their livelihood and the steep 28% tariff imposed means the imported carpets will become significantly more expensive for American consumers and retailers. 'If these carpets are going to be more expensive in America, does that mean our wages will rise too?" Mohamad asked. Not likely. The increased cost to consumers in the U.S. doesn't translate into higher wages for weavers, experts say, but rather often leads to reduced orders, lower incomes, and growing uncertainty for the artisans. This price hike could also push buyers toward cheaper, machine-made alternatives, leaving Kashmiri artisans in the lurch. Insiders say that unless international trade policies shift to protect traditional industries, Kashmir's hand-knotted legacy may continue to fray until it disappears. Wilayat Ali, a Kashmiri carpet supplier, said his trading partner, who exports the carpets to the U.S., Germany and France, has already canceled at least a dozen orders already in the making. 'The exporter also returned some dozen carpets," he said. 'It boils down to the hard arithmetic of profit and loss,' Ali explained. 'They don't see thousands of knots in a carpet that takes months to make.' ___ This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Hi Dubai
27-01-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Schools Offer Up to 100% Tuition Fee Waiver Through Scholarship Programs
Several schools in Dubai are offering scholarships that can cover up to 100% of tuition fees to outstanding students in various fields, including academics, sports, and the arts. These scholarships are designed to recognize exceptional talent and achievements, with students required to submit a portfolio showcasing their accomplishments. Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions at Taleem, explained that the scholarship programmes at Taaleem schools, including Greenfield International School, Uptown International School, and Jumeira Baccalaureate School, cater to students from Year 6 to Year 11. These scholarships focus on disciplines such as academics, sports, performing arts, Arabic, and Islamic studies. 'Eligibility is based on a student's academic record and achievements in their chosen field,' Whyte said. For students interested in applying, school leaders recommend starting the scholarship hunt at least a year in advance. Most applications open around October, giving families ample time to prepare and submit required documents. Scholarships typically range from partial to full tuition coverage, with additional benefits like mentorship and extracurricular opportunities. At GEMS Education, the newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships focus on areas such as technology, gaming, and innovation, and are available for students in Year 9 and Year 12. Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented at GEMS, emphasized that maintaining the scholarship requires consistent performance, with candidates being re-evaluated after a two-year period. Some schools, like The Indian High Group of Schools, offer cash bursaries to students excelling in sports and academics, ensuring that talented students are rewarded for their efforts at national and international competitions. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
27-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver in some schools under scholarship programme
Some schools in Dubai provide up to a 100 per cent tuition fee concession to outstanding students in academics and other fields through their scholarship programmes. School leaders said to qualify for scholarships, students need to submit a portfolio as evidence of their achievements. Lisa Whyte, Group Head of Admissions, Taleem, said, 'Scholarship opportunities at Taaleem schools are designed to recognise and reward exceptional talent and achievement across a variety of areas. Greenfield International School, located in Dubai Investments Park, offers scholarships for students from Year 6 to Year 11, focusing on academics, sports, performing arts, and Arabic and Islamic Studies.' Similarly, Uptown International School in Mirdif provides scholarships for students in the same year group who excel in academics, sports, Arabic, Islamic Studies, and performing arts. At Jumeira Baccalaureate School, scholarships are available for students in Years 9 to 11, with a particular emphasis on outstanding academic and athletic accomplishments. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Eligibility for these scholarships is typically based on the student's achievements in academics, athletics, performing arts, or leadership. Candidates must demonstrate a strong school record and meet specific criteria, such as exceptional grades, notable competition achievements, or remarkable talent in their chosen field,' added Whyte. Scholarship hunt should start at least a year in advance 'To maximise their chances of securing a scholarship, students and their families are encouraged to begin their research and preparations well in advance. Ideally, they should start exploring opportunities at least a year before applications open, which is typically around October for most Taaleem schools. Early preparation ensures sufficient time to meet deadlines and compile all necessary documentation,' Whyte said further. Usually the scholarships offered by schools can range from partial to full coverage of tuition fees, with the percentage awarded based on the applicant's achievements and the specific scholarship programme. While the primary focus is on tuition assistance, scholarship recipients often gain additional benefits such as access to specialised mentorship programmes, additional extracurricular opportunities, and priority inclusion in activities aligning with their talents. Steve Arnold, Head of Gifted and Talented, GEMS Education, said, 'We are looking for highly talented young people who are passionate about their talents and areas of interest. Their preparation lies in the journey of striving for excellence, and they will need to provide a curated portfolio of evidence. We want to see the unfiltered picture of each candidate.' Maintaining scholarship mandates consistent performance Similarly, the newly launched GEMS Genius Scholarships are open to students in Year 9/Grade 8 and Year 12/Grade 11 in the areas of academics, Arabic Studies, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Sports and Athletics, Technology, Gaming, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. School leaders stressed that the extent of scholarship is determined during the assessment of each candidate. 'But the scholarships are offered with a maximum of 100 per cent fee concession. The hope is to offer as many of these as possible.' When asked what happens if a student awarded a scholarship fails to maintain the required grades or performance standards, Arnold added, 'All scholarships will be offered for a minimum of a two-year period, after which the candidate will either be re-evaluated or, if they received the scholarship in Year 12/Grade 11, have left school.' Others also reiterated that maintaining the scholarship requires consistent performance by the student. 'Scholarships are reviewed annually, and students who fail to meet the required academic or performance standards may be placed on probation. If significant improvement is not achieved, the scholarship may be revoked or not renewed for the following year,' added Whyte. Cash bursaries in some schools Meanwhile, some school heads pointed out that they are committed to making quality education accessible to all their students by not raising the tuition fees. Punit MK Vasu, CEO, The Indian High Group of Schools, said, 'For the past six years, we have kept our fees intentionally affordable, ensuring that all 13,000 of our students across all three campuses benefit equally without the burden of any tuition fee hikes — despite being permitted to raise fees by the regulators.' Vasu stressed that instead of offering selective bursaries based on need, scholastic or co-scholastic performance, the school aims to maintain stable fees for everyone. 'However, we take pride in supporting and rewarding the achievements of our athletes and sportspersons, offering significant cash bursaries to all those who win medals at events such as the CBSE Nationals. We recognise and reward the exceptional talents of our athletes, academic and co-scholastic achievers, providing such cash rewards to all who excel at the national and international level,' he added.
