Iran's carpet exports touch $57mn in 3 months

In the first three months of the ongoing Iranian calendar year that began on March 21, 2014, Iran exported 1,000 tons of hand-woven carpets, valued at US$ 57 million, according to Iran’s National Carpet Center, Tehran Times reported.

 

In last calendar year that ended on March 20, 2014, exports of hand-woven carpets from Iran dropped by 26.35 percent year-on-year to $314.8 million, which was the lowest in recent years.

 

During the year, Iran’s hand-woven carpets were exported to nearly 80 countries. Major importers of Iranian carpets during the period were Germany, the UAE, Japan, Lebanon, Italy, the UK, Pakistan, Qatar, Switzerland and Sweden.

 

The US also imported $51,000 worth of Iranian hand-made carpets during the period.

 

In calendar year 2012-13, Iran’s hand-woven carpet exports earned $427 million, while they earned $560 million in 2011-12.

 

Identified as one of the most illustrious expressions of the Persian culture, Persian carpets are known for their intricate design and skilful making.

 

Over 1.2 million weavers in Iran engage in carpet weaving and produce around five million square meters of carpets each year, 80 percent of which are exported.