Updated: Sun, 30 Nov 2025 02:37 (IST) The economy of Brass City is in crisis due to US tariffs. Due to the imposition of 50% tariff, exports were affected and the future of artisans became dark. Exporters and artisans are demanding government intervention to talk to the US government to lower the tariffs and save the copper industry. Jagran Correspondent, Moradabad. Moradabad’s export industry has been affected after America imposed 50 percent tariff on Indian copper handicraft products. The city’s identity, the Brass City, is not only facing the brunt of decline in business this time, but has also suffered losses during major festive seasons like Christmas. The years of hard work and finished products of many exporters are stuck in warehouses. Remove Ads Read Only News August to November was usually the busiest period for Moradabad’s factories. In which large orders of Christmas decoration items, candle stands, lamps, silver-plated decorative items and brassware began to be supplied to America and European countries in this period. In previous years, artisans had to work double shifts this season, but after the tariffs were implemented, foreign buyers stopped orders. Even among the orders placed, many were taken in lesser quantities with reconditions, due to which the production units could not function even at half capacity. According to exporters, the tariff increase has led to increased prices and made Indian products uncompetitive in the US market. The prices of products from countries like China and Vietnam are already low, so after the imposition of tariff, Indian copperware is no longer the first choice of buyers. Many exporters have prepared the goods, but American buyers have delayed delivery or pressured to reduce the price citing increase in customs duties. This crisis hit the artisans the hardest. The number of workers has been reduced in many workshops. Laborers who depended on daily wages are now looking for other jobs. Dozens of units only open for a limited number of days due to inability to cover production costs. Many major exporters of the city have demanded relief package and special intervention from the central government. He says that if timely financial and policy-based assistance is not provided, the traditional handicraft industry of Moradabad will not be able to stand for long. Local industry organizations also say that Moradabad products are characterized by design, craftsmanship and handmade quality, which is unlike any machine-made product. In such a situation, the government should intensify efforts to reduce tariffs by conducting trade talks at the international level. Exporters are now trying to find markets in Europe, Central Asia and the Gulf countries, but experts say it takes time to develop new markets. While the US market is as large and profitable as it is, no other market can match it. Currently, the export industry of Moradabad is going through an uncertain phase. Rates, falling demand and ready inventory have combined to make this season a total waste. Exporters do not have orders for Christmas. We have made every effort by arranging exhibitions abroad. In this, small exporters will get relief by getting income tax exemption up to Rs 5 crore. It is not just a matter of business but a struggle for the existence of more than five lakh artisan families. – Awadhesh Aggarwal, Chief Convenor EPCH US tariff has broken the back of Moradabad’s industry. Orders have stopped, factories are at a standstill and artisans are on the verge of unemployment. In such an environment, if the central or state government provides 10 percent of the average export turnover of the last three years as Samman Nidhi, then it will be the lifeline to bring back the breath of this city. – JP Singh, Chairman Yes Also Read – Injury also came before duty: Moradabad’s BLA Omveer completed 100% SIR feeding.