The carpet sector traders in Bhadohi have been severely impacted by the 50 per cent US tariffs imposed on Indian goods, as they are unable to move inventory, as claimed by the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC). Aslam Mahboob, who is the Director at Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), emphasised that 60 per cent of the business from the "carpet city" goes to America, which is now facing uncertainty.

"The effect is severe. We had a deadline till August 26 that we can move inventory till then, but since the deadline there is no new production. In the industry of Rs 17,000 crore, 60 per cent of the business goes to America. Most of the goods are on hold. The factories have reduced their staff by 60-70%. Working under such tariffs is impossible," Mahboob told ANI here.

The CEPC director also demanded that the Central government give relief to the industry workers by bearing half the cost of tariffs, while the exporter and businesses manage the other half. "This industry cannot be saved without the government's help," he told ANI, while urging the Centre's intervention. The CEPC director highlighted that while getting alternatives to the US market is possible, getting to that place will take time.