Shoe Factory Federation President Vijay Sama said that this year, orders had been placed for about five lakh pairs of shoes. However, due to the tariff, many orders are either being cancelled or put on hold.
Photo: SNS
The United States has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods, severely impacting the shoe business of Agra. Every year, footwear worth crores of rupees is exported from the city.
Shoe Factory Federation President Vijay Sama said that this year, orders had been placed for about five lakh pairs of shoes. However, due to the tariff, many orders are either being cancelled or put on hold.
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“Some traders export exclusively to the US, and their factories are now on the verge of closure. Even traders dealing in raw materials for shoemaking are facing difficulties. We hope the government will take concrete steps soon,” he said.
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Shoe exporter Rajesh Sehgal added that there is uncertainty regarding orders from the US. “It is still undecided whether to proceed with production or not. At present, the orders are on hold, and the situation will become clear in the next 20–25 days,” he said.
Artisans also fear for their livelihoods. “If exports are affected, artisans will inevitably suffer too,” said artisan Rakesh. “When companies have no work, artisans will also have no work. Many will end up unemployed and sitting at home.”
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