Dense industrial clusters in Uttar Pradesh like Kanpur, Firozabad, Bhadohi and Moradabad witnesses disrupted in exports due to imposition of 50% import duty by the United States on Indian goods leading to stalled orders, shrinking market access, and widespread job losses especially among temporary and contract workers with at least 25% business loss in initial assessment, says export union representatives and local factory owners of these cities.
The demand for a bailout package from the government is growing in these clusters amid fear of further decline. Among these U.P. clusters, Moradabad is synonymous with brass handicrafts, Firozabad with glass Industry, Kanpur with leather and Bhadohi-Mirzapur with handmade carpet.
“This sector saw a 35–50% decline in U.S. centred orders since tariffs. Estimated 8,000–10,000 workers, including women artisans, are affected,” said Gaurav Singla, a member of export promotion council and glass manufacturer based in Firozabad.
Bhadohi, along with neighbouring districts such as Mirzapur, which serves as the hub of India’s handmade carpet industry, accounting for more than 60% of the nation’s total ₹ 17,000 crore exports are also believed to suffer a 30% loss as only United States accounted for roughly 58.6% exports. “Situation is grim with stalled orders, shrinking market access, and widespread job losses especially among temporary and contract workers, we need a bailout package as financial assistance from the government,” said Aslam Mahmoob, a member of Carpet Export Promotion Council based in Bhadohi.
