Iran Holds 40% Share in World Carpet Market

TEHRAN,April 26 (FNA)- Iran is the source of almost 40% of the world's exported carpets, Iranian Commerce Minister Mehdi Qazanfari announced on Tuesday, adding that the country's carpet exports in the last Iranian year (ended on March 20) amounted to USD500mln.
"The total volume of global carpet exports stands at $1.3bln annually of which $500mln belongs to Iran," Qazanfari said.

He also said that Iran boosted export of its carpets by 12% in the last Iranian year compared with the previous year.

Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets in the world. 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.