Srinagar, Feb 3: Sheikh Ashiq, Committee of Administration, Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), has warmly welcomed the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), describing it as a transformative boon for Kashmir's handmade carpet and handicraft industry. Representing a sector deeply intertwined with the region's cultural heritage, CEPC highlights how this agreement addresses longstanding tariff barriers that have challenged Kashmiri exporters in global markets.

Kashmir contributes significantly to India's handmade carpet exports, with nearly 60 per cent of the country’s shipments destined for the US—its largest market. Alongside the European Union, the US remains pivotal for Kashmiri artisans producing intricate, hand-knotted masterpieces renowned worldwide.
Sheikh Ashiq expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for its steadfast diplomacy under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, and Hon’ble Minister of Textiles Shri Giriraj Singh. He stated, “We hope this will lead to even more easing of barriers in the future,” terming it a boon not only for the handmade carpet sector but for the entire handicraft industry in Kashmir.
Captain Mukesh Gombar, Chairman, CEPC, welcomed the development, stating that while the India–EU and India–UK FTAs had already provided partial relief to the industry, the India–US FTA has brought unprecedented cheer, especially with the rollback of tariffs to 18 per cent from the earlier 50 per cent. He noted that this correction has restored competitiveness to Indian handmade carpets in their most important export market and has revived exporter and buyer confidence.
Aslam Mahboob, Vice Chairman, CEPC, observed that the industry is closing the current financial year on a positive note and entering the new financial year with key policy checkboxes firmly ticked. He emphasized that these Trade Agreements are expected to have a strong positive impact on India’s USD 2 billion handmade carpet industry, directly benefiting nearly 2.5 million artisans associated with the craft across the country.
Dr Smita Nagarkoti, Executive Director(off.), CEPC, informed that the Council will undertake structured outreach and awareness programmes for exporters and stakeholders to familiarise them with the opportunities, compliance requirements, and procedural aspects of the India–UK and India–EU FTAs, ensuring that the benefits of these agreements percolate effectively to the grassroots level.
CEPC recommends partnering with the Government of India to leverage the Trade Agreements for export growth, enhanced artisan incomes in Kashmir, and India's enduring dominance in handmade carpets.