Turkish carpet exports increase 9.4% in Jan-Sept'13

The exports of carpets from Turkey increased by 9.4 percent to US$ 1.571 billion during the first nine months of the current year compared to exports worth US$ 1.436 billion made during the same period last year, according to the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Association (ITKIB).

 

During the nine-month period, Saudi Arabia was the largest importer of Turkish carpets accounting for US$ 266.149 million or 17 percent of the total Turkish carpet exports, Hurriyet reported quoting AA news agency.

 

Libya, Iraq and Germany were the other main importers of Turkish carpets during the period under review, with imports of US$ 157 million, US$ 98 million and US$ 74 million, respectively.

 

In September 2013, Turkish carpet exports increased by 8.2 percent year-on-year and 26 percent month-on-month to US$ 182.693 million.

 

Turkey has both skilled labour force for handmade carpet industry and sufficient know-how for machine-made carpet industry. Moreover, it does not have to depend on imports for wool and synthetic yarn needs for its carpet industry, as they are met from domestic sources.

 

The geographical proximity of Turkey to the main carpet consuming markets like the Middle East, Europe and the CIS states also helps the growth of the Turkish carpet industry.