Moradabad, July 3 Artisans and traders associated with the brass industry, which has been hit by the recent recession, are hoping for some relief in the government's budget to be presented on July 6.

The brassware industry is recognized the world over for its unmatched range of brass antiques and brass decoratives. There are number of small-scale brassware manufacturers, brassware suppliers and brass handicrafts manufacturers in Moradabad.

The economic slowdown and the fall in the prices of brass material have affected many exporters. Now, they hope the budget will provide some sops for them.

"My expectations from the budget are that there should be tax exemptions. This tax holiday should be for a period of five years at least.

Also, the service tax exemptions should be on export industry in general and particularly for handicrafts," said Sahab Alam, a brass exporter.

Another problem that many small factory owners face is the availability of raw materials.

"We want that the government keep storage for raw materials that are required in the brass industry.

Secondly, they should be made available to the small factory owners at right prices with the help of the General Manager District Industries Centre," said Hadi Hasan Ansari, a factory owner.

India consumes about 100,000-150,000 tons of brass, of which about 70 per cent is imported.

Largely dominated by unorganised sector players, brass is used in handicraft and arts, which have a good export market, mainly from America and European nations. (ANI)