Iran exports $427m worth of carpets in 1 year

Head of Iran's National Carpet Center Mohammad Baqer Alikhani said the country exported $427mln worth of hand-woven carpets in the last Iranian year (March 20, 2012-March 20, 2013). Alikhani said that the value of exported hand-woven carpets across the world reached $1.35bln last year, out of which the value of Iranian carpets amounted to $427mln. Alikhani noted that Iran’s major rivals in the hand-woven carpet global market are India, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan and pointed out that Iran can further boost its international market by advertising the Iranian carpet and sending commercial delegations overseas in an attempt to identify new markets. Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets. Persian rugs are highly sought out for their intricate design and skilled craftsmanship, and that's why Iran exports carpets to more than 100 countries in the world. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of the Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually of which 80 percent are sold in international markets. The United States, Europe (specially Germany and Italy), China, Brazil, South and Central Africa, along with neighboring countries are the most important markets for Iranian made Persian Carpets.