Click image to zoom

Kashmiri Papier-Mâché Artists Hit By Trump’s Tariff Hike

A Kashmiri artisan paints Christmas gift items at the workshop before sending them to the market ahead of Christmas celebrations in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on December 16, 2025. Christmas is celebrated across India and worldwide on December 25 to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Kashmir's papier-mache artisans face fresh challenges after US President Donald Trump announces higher import duties, raising concerns among exporters dependent on overseas markets. Artisans say the increased tariffs could reduce demand for Kashmiri products, especially Christmas decorations, which form a major share of exports. Papier-mache items from Kashmir are shipped to the US, Italy, Germany, France, Australia, Muscat, and the UAE. Exporters warn that higher costs may hurt orders and livelihoods in the Valley's centuries-old craft industry. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13102718
Date Taken	16 December 2025
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

One Person Three Quarter Length Kashmiri artisan Christmas gift items workshop market Christmas celebrations Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir December 16 2025 Christmas India worldwide 25 December birth of Jesus Christ Kashmir papier-mâché artisans challenges US President Donald Trump import duties exporters overseas markets increased tariffs demand Kashmiri products Christmas decorations exports US Italy Germany France Australia Muscat UAE higher costs orders livelihoods Valley craft industry centuries-old.