Artisans of Copper Wares in Tunisia Under Existential Threat from Cheap Chinese Imports

(2 Minutes Read)   

Their craft is under threat, because of competition from cheaper Chinese imports and a sort of indifference by distancing themselves from buying such traditional products.

Artisans in Kairouan, Tunisia, a place known for making traditional copper wares, that are sold particularly during Ramadan days to embellish kitchens face existential challenges. Their craft is under threat, because of competition from cheaper Chinese imports and a sort of indifference by distancing themselves from buying such traditional products.

In Kairouan, a city founded in 670, craftsmen have passed down techniques and know-how from generation to generation. But, now many of them are feeling that they should have quit the occupation of making pots from copper long ago since there is no market for the products. Cheap Chinese copper wares crowd out their produce, for which demand peaks during Ramadan days.

Read Also:

https://trendsnafrica.com/tunisia-paid-back-usd-1-bn-borrowed-from-international-financial-market/

Even the peak season of Ramadan is no longer the guarantee of a future for the copper artisans of Kairouan.