Fashion
Indian carpet makers bear tariff brunt; BTA talks reignite hopes
According to reports, the United States accounts for approximately 60 per cent of India’s carpet exports, and in FY25, of the around $1.5 billion worth of carpets shipped globally, over $920 million was reportedly exported to the US market alone.
India’s carpet industry, severely impacted by 50 per cent US tariffs, is hoping the renewed India-US trade negotiations make a breakthrough soon.
The US market accounts for approximately 60 per cent of India’s carpet exports, supporting the livelihoods of more than 2 million people nationwide.
With US orders on hold due to tariffs, carpet makers fear losing market share to competitors.
While this segment may not rival other major export-driven sectors in terms of revenue, its socioeconomic impact is substantial.
According to various estimates, the industry directly employs over two million workers, with numbers potentially reaching up to 3.2 million, particularly women, in rural areas. This labour-intensive sector, especially the handmade carpet segment, sustains the livelihoods of a large number of artisans and weavers, including those in the Mirzapur-Bhadohi region of Uttar Pradesh, a key hub for the industry.
However, the recently imposed US tariffs have severely disrupted this once thriving, export-driven industry. According to industry stakeholders, orders from US buyers have dropped sharply since the tariff announcement, triggering widespread layoffs and production halts across major carpet manufacturing centres such as Bhadohi (Uttar Pradesh), Panipat (Haryana), Jaipur and Bikaner (both in Rajasthan).
“Labourers are paid based on the square feet of carpet they knit. With shipments stalled, production has nearly stopped, and workers have started going back home,” claimed a Bikaner-based industry player.
A Bhadohi exporter, heavily reliant on the US market, confirmed that operations in his unit have come to a screeching halt, and no consignments have been dispatched to the US in over a month now, signalling a deepening crisis.
Bhadohi, widely regarded as the epicentre of India’s carpet business, is home to around 1,200 exporters who also function as manufacturers. Reports indicate that approximately 1.4 million individuals, including 5–6 per cent women, are directly or indirectly dependent on the industry in this region alone.
With order pipelines drying up, the effect is being felt across the industry. Speaking to the media, an official of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) underlined that the carpet industry runs completely on exports with a very negligible domestic presence, and such high tariffs are now threatening the industry as well livelihoods of millions engaged in the industry.
While the Government’s recent move to remove import duties on cotton is expected to offer some relief, but those reliant on wool remain exposed still. Industry insiders now expressed concern that competitor countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Türkiye could capitalise on India’s weakening foothold in the US market.
However, the resumption of talks between India and the US has rekindled hopes among the carpet exporters, it seems.
A delegation led by US trade negotiator Brendan Lynch met with officials from the Ministry of Commerce in New Delhi yesterday.
Negotiations were suspended last month after President Trump’s 50 per cent tariff announcement and India’s refusal to halt purchases of Russian oil. However, in recent days, optimism has grown as Trump administration officials have taken a more conciliatory tone, and India has confirmed that the discussions are still ongoing for a bilateral trade agreement (BTA).
“…hope the discussions will help to sort out the vexed issue,” a Panipat-based carpet exporter expressed optimism, while adding that a positive resolution is critical not only for reviving exports to the US but also for safeguarding the livelihoods that are intrinsically connected with the industry.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)
“For 40 years, I.N.C. has been a cornerstone of Macy’s private brand portfolio, delivering the latest fashion designed to inspire and empower women,” said Emily Erusha-Hilleque, SVP of Private Brand, Design, and Trend at Macy’s. “To celebrate this milestone, we partnered with Christian, a true visionary whose designs celebrate individuality, inclusivity and bold expression. As we honor I.N.C.’s heritage, we are excited for our customers to experience this collection that celebrates fabulous style, trend and embraces the next chapter for the brand.”
Macy’s is marking I.N.C.’s 40th anniversary with a fall collection curated by CFDA award-winning designer Christian Siriano.
The collection blends heritage and modern style, featuring exclusive artwork, limited-edition T-shirts, customised blazers, and a couture dress for NYFW.
A campaign with top models and Herald Square displays highlight the launch, with proceeds from auctions benefitting charity.
Siriano has established himself as a tour de force in the fashion world since launching his eponymous collection in 2008, following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. Siriano’s designs have been worn by today’s biggest names including Dr. Jill Biden, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, Angelina Jolie, Oprah, Zendaya, Ariana Grande, Julianne Moore, Lady Gaga, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Porter, Cardi B, Whoopi Goldberg, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Coolidge and more.
“Collaborating with Macy’s to celebrate 40 years of I.N.C. has been such a meaningful project,” said Siriano. “I.N.C. has played an iconic role in shaping fashion, and this collection is meant to honor that incredible legacy while also reimagining what modern, confident style can look like today. For me, it’s about curating pieces that empower individuality and bring joy to getting dressed.”
Capturing the spirit of this collaboration, Siriano designed an exclusive original artwork to be featured on limited-edition t-shirts, which are now available for purchase online and in select Macy’s stores. In celebration of 40 years of I.N.C., Siriano took 40 signature black blazers from the new collection, transforming each with his distinctive touch to create one-of-a-kind pieces that embody I.N.C.’s statement-making style. In addition, he created a unique couture dress which will be unveiled during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Both the blazers and the couture dress will be auctioned in September with proceeds going to charity.
Siriano also stars in I.N.C.’s fall campaign alongside a dynamic group of models, including Candice Huffine, Daiane Sodré and Martha Hunt, who were selected for their individuality, presence and connection to the brand. Photographed by Alexi Lubomirski, the campaign will come to life across digital platforms, social media and select stores nationwide. Macy’s iconic Herald Square windows will also feature the collection and the one-of-a-kind blazers. Siriano will present his spring 2026 collection during NYFW on September 12. The show is sponsored by Macy’s and will be staged at the Herald Square flagship in New York City.
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)
By
Bloomberg
Published
September 18, 2025
Bernard Arnault’s family is installing LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE executives to lead recently-acquired Paris FC, a sign the luxury billionaire is intent on reviving the commercial fortunes of the club.
Jean-Marc Gallot, up until now head of LVMH’s Champagne brand Veuve Clicquot, will now head up Paris FC, according to a joint statement from the club and the Arnault family investment vehicle Agache.
The club’s new CFO, Alexandre Battut, is coming from another LVMH label, the fragrance maker Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Battut will join Paris FC in early November, the statement added. The executive previously spent three years at rival Paris Saint-Germain football club.
Last year, the Arnaults unveiled plans to buy the lesser-known football club, with an initial stake of 52% that could increase to 80% in 2027.
The family’s foray into football took observers by surprise as the Arnault clan is normally associated with exclusive and high-end investments. Separately, the luxury conglomerate controlled by billionaire Bernard Arnault has bet big on sport sponsorship, especially with Formula 1.
Paris FC, founded in 1972, managed in May to be promoted to France’s Ligue 1. This marked their return to the top league after an absence of more than four decades.
The family’s plan is to make Paris FC profitable and “not to waste money”, said Antoine Arnault in a previous interview with Bloomberg News, adding that football is a “difficult” business to be in.
Literally across the road from Paris FC’s stadium is the home ground of super-club Paris Saint Germain. The Qatar-owned team won their first ever UEFA Champions League in May, defeating Inter-Milan 5-0 in the final.
Gallot’s appointment is subject to approval at the next board of directors meeting of the Paris FC set to take place in the next few days, the statement added. Thomas Mulliez will replace Gallot as president and CEO of Veuve Clicquot, LVMH said in another statement.
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