Afghan Carpet Exports Surge by Over 70% This Year
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment says exports of Afghan carpets to various countries have increased by more than 70% this year.
According to officials from the chamber, the recent return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan has boosted the production of traditional carpets inside Afghanistan, which are now being exported to international markets under the name of Afghanistan.
Mohammad Yousuf Amin, Executive officer of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “With the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, the export of Afghan carpets, previously woven by Afghans in Pakistan, has decreased there and instead increased within Afghanistan, now being exported under Afghanistan’s name.”
Currently, 99% of Afghan carpets, all handwoven, are exported abroad. In the past, a large portion of these carpets was sold in international markets under the names of Iran and Pakistan, but now they are exported directly through Afghanistan’s customs.
Mohammad Rafi Nadery, a member of the Afghan Carpet Producers and Exporters Association, said: “99% of Afghan carpets are exported, with only about 1% used domestically. Most of these carpets are made specifically for international markets and are showcased in global exhibitions.”
Noor Ahmad Faizi, who has run a carpet shop in Herat for over 50 years, is calling for better support and access to global exhibitions.
“The government should help us participate in exhibitions and support carpet exports,” he said.
Another carpet seller in Herat, Basheer Ahmad Yarzada, said: “We urge the leaders of the Islamic Emirate to support carpet exports and facilitate international exhibitions.”
Afghan handwoven carpets are renowned worldwide for their high quality, intricate designs, and vibrant colors. Most of these carpets are produced in the northern and western regions of the country.
According to the Carpet Producers and Exporters Association, over 400,000 people are employed in the carpet industry in Afghanistan’s western region alone.
