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

A Kashmiri artisan weaves a Kani shawl on a handloom using wooden sticks as needles and thread made from pashmina wool on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 14, 2026. Kani shawl weaving is a complex and rare craft in Kashmiri weaving culture, with patterns and designs inspired by nature, resulting in some 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 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	#13577333
Date Taken	14 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto
Category	Economy, Business and Finance
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto

Kani shawl handloom wooden sticks needles pashmina wool Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir craftsmanship weaving culture patterns designs nature-inspired expensive shawls delicate shawls Kashmiri word interlace colored threads 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 Firdous Nazir NurPhoto.