New Delhi, Aug. 30 -- India's traditional carpet industry is facing a major crisis after the United States imposed a 50 percent import tariff on Indian carpets.

This decision has disrupted trade flows and led to nearly 85 percent of U.S. orders being put on hold. The impact is particularly severe in Bhadohi and Mirzapur, the main hubs of handmade carpet exports.

The Indian handmade carpet industry contributes around Rs 16,000-Rs 16,800 crore annually through exports, with the U.S. accounting for nearly 60 percent of its market.

Bhadohi alone represents about 60 percent of India's total carpet exports, making it especially vulnerable to the tariff shock. The sector provides livelihood to nearly 30 lakh people, most of them women weavers...