Small Exporters’ Interaction Meeting with Hon’ble Minister of Textiles
Small Exporters’ Interaction Meeting with Hon’ble Minister of Textiles
The Ministry of Textiles organized an interaction meeting with small exporters under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, on 9-9-2025, in New Delhi. In the meeting Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Smt. Shubhra, Trade Advisor, and Shri Amit Kumar, Director, Ministry of Textiles were presented
Exporters representing various segments of the textile sector including apparel, home textiles, handicrafts, and carpets were invited to the meeting to present their concerns and suggestions.
The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) was represented by Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal, Chairman CEPC, Shri Sanjay Gupta, Member COA CEPC, Shri Piyush Baranwal, Member COA CEPC, Capt. Vijendra Jaglan (Heritage Overseas, Panipat), and Mr. Waseem Ahmad (Raj Mahal Interior, New Delhi).
The main objective of the meeting was to facilitate a direct dialogue between the Ministry and exporters on industry challenges such as the recently imposed U.S. tariff escalation and to deliberate on possible solutions and forward strategies.
Speaking at the meeting, Shri Kuldeep Raj Wattal, Chairman CEPC, underlined that while the U.S. tariff issue is a serious concern, he pointed out that the new Export Promotion Mission Scheme, which was to be launched in April–May, is still awaited. As a result, the MAI Scheme, which has been supporting small and medium exporters in participating in international events, is also delayed, thereby preventing exporters from showcasing their products in global markets—an impediment to international outreach. He also urged that the interest subvention scheme, which was discontinued in December, be immediately reinstated to provide relief to exporters w.ef January 2025. The handmade carpet industry is also actively working towards market diversification in Russia and China, and he called upon the Government to explore Trade Agreements with these countries to ensure a balanced trade relationship and reduced import duties.
Capt. Vijendra Jaglan stressed the urgent need for immediate relief measures for small exporters, highlighting that buyers may not wait for long amidst trade uncertainties. He appealed to the Government for timely support to sustain the industry until long-term policy solutions are in place.
Shri Piyush Baranwal raised the issue of separating handmade carpets from machine-made carpets under HSN codes, noting that the handmade sector is under severe strain. He requested an increase in RoDTEP and drawback rates, removal of capping, and resolution of challenges under MSM 43B (H). He also flagged the critical issue faced by over 1,200 MSME carpet and durrie units in Bhadohi–Mirzapur regarding the Groundwater Extraction Well Registration process, urging for a cooperative approach to safeguard cottage industries.
Shri Sanjay Gupta emphasized that prolonged tariff uncertainty could cause migration of skilled weavers to other sectors, making it extremely difficult to bring them back to the industry. He stressed that around 13 lakh weavers depend on U.S. exports, and noted that every fourth carpet in the U.S. originates from Bhadohi. He further cautioned that buyer confidence is being shaken due to unpredictable tariff hikes, which directly impacts exporters’ ability to finalize pricing and secure orders.
Mr. Waseem Ahmad expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister for initiating this dialogue with small exporters. He suggested that the Government consider making Indian carpets mandatory for use in government conference halls and official spaces to support domestic artisans.
In his concluding remarks, the Hon’ble Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, reassured the industry that the Government stands firmly with the exporters and artisans. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to take all possible steps to safeguard the industry’s interests, emphasizing the vision of “Vocal for Local” and India’s resilience in meeting global challenges.
Sep-10-25
