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

A Kashmiri artisan works on a Kani Shawl using a traditional handloom on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 14, 2026. The Kani shawl weaving is a complex and rare craft in Kashmiri weaving culture, where patterns and designs inspired by nature are woven to create 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 sourced from Pashmina goats in the Himalayan region of Ladakh, Kashmir. Artisans and traders in the Kani shawl industry are experiencing a slowdown in international demand, with clients reducing or postponing bulk orders. Factors such as uncertainty over shipping routes, rising costs, and market instability related 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	#13577331
Date Taken	14 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Tooji Kani Shawl Kashmiri artisan traditional handloom Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir craftsmanship weaving culture nature patterns delicate shawls Kashmiri word small sticks colored threads pashmina Pashmina goats Himalayan region Ladakh Kashmir artisans traders Kani shawl industry Indian Kashmir’s economy international demand bulk orders shipping routes rising costs market instability Middle East conflict United States Israel Iran export sector Firdous Nazir NurPhoto.