Trade tariffs affect Indian artisans, with Golu dolls left unsold

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-09-03 06:54:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-09-03 09:24:34

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Traditional artisans in Kancheepuram are facing a burgeoning livelihood crisis after thousands of their painstakingly crafted 'golu dolls' remain unsold, thanks to a recent 50% additional import duty imposed by the United States.

The handcrafted Indian dolls, emblematic of the country's diverse culture, have yet to find buyers despite being exported to other countries for decades. The industry, reliant entirely on exports, suffered a crippling blow after the US imposed the additional duty, affecting 7,500 Indian artisans and their families.

These latest developments have underscored the fragility of traditional crafts in a globalized economy, where cultural products often face challenges in gaining free trade and worldwide recognition.

The Indian government has expressed hopes that resolving issues regarding tariffs will be among its priorities during its G20 leadership tenure, as it looks to create more jobs and alleviate the hardship faced by thousands of traditional artisans across the country.

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