Kanchipuram silk weavers hope India-UK FTA will revive trade and boost exports

Tamil Nadu's temple city of Kanchipuram houses over six thousand handloom artisans who produce traditional silk garments across neighborhoods like Pillayar Palayam and Ayyampettai. These craftspeople distribute their products through private enterprises and cooperative organizations but face competition from machine-made alternatives marketed as authentic Kanchi silk. Rising precious metal costs have decreased consumer demand and reduced weaver incomes, prompting calls for government intervention to stabilize gold and silver markets. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement offers renewed hope for the silk industry through expanded export opportunities and enhanced production capacity. Local manufacturer Mohan believes the trade partnership will stimulate growth within the handloom sector while reducing tariff barriers that previously limited international market access.