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Middle East Conflict Hits Kashmiri Kani Shawl Exports As Global Orders Decline

Different colored pashmina yarns form a colorful pattern on a handloom where a special shawl is being woven at a home workshop on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 14, 2026. The Kani shawl weaving is a complex and rare craftsmanship in Kashmiri weaving culture, where patterns and designs inspired by nature are woven to create one of the most expensive and delicate shawls. The Kashmiri word 'Kani' translates to 'small sticks,' which are used by craftsmen to interlace various colored threads of pashmina on handlooms. Pashmina wool is obtained from Pashmina goats that live in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, Kashmir. Artisans and traders in the Kani shawl industry of Indian Kashmir are experiencing a slowdown in international demand, with clients reducing or postponing bulk orders. Uncertainty over shipping routes, rising costs, and market instability linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran have impacted the export sector. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13577328
Date Taken	14 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Pashmina yarns colorful pattern handloom special shawl home workshop Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir Kani shawl weaving craftsmanship Kashmiri weaving culture patterns designs nature expensive shawls delicate shawls Kani small sticks craftsmen colored threads pashmina handlooms Pashmina goats Himalayan region Ladakh Kashmir artisans traders Kani shawl industry Indian Kashmir economy international demand bulk orders shipping routes rising costs market instability Middle East conflict United States Israel Iran export sector.