Iran’s annual carpet exports plunge to $40m
The value of Iran’s handwoven carpet exports dropped sharply from over $2 billion annually in the Iranian year of 1373 (1994) to around $40 million today, according to Morteza Haji-Aqamiri, head of the Carpet, Art, and Handicrafts Commission at the Iran Chamber of Commerce.
Commenting on the significant decline in Iranian carpet exports to Germany, one of the primary markets for these goods, Haji-Aqamiri noted that Germany and other German-speaking countries have historically been the largest purchasers of Iranian handmade carpets, ILNA reported.
Haji-Aqamiri added that Iranian carpets are still exported to other European countries, including France, the UK, and Italy, as well as to non-European markets such as the United Arab Emirates, which remains a strong export destination.
He highlighted that Germans have had such a deep connection with Iranian carpets that the academic study of carpets began at universities in Berlin.
Haji-Aqamiri attributed the decline in demand for Iranian carpets in Germany to changing tastes among younger generations in Europe and said younger consumers now view carpets as short-term floor coverings that need to be replaced frequently, making them unwilling to invest in luxurious, high-quality Iranian carpets.
Instead, they opt for cheaper Turkish and Indian carpets that align with their preferences, allowing Indian and Turkish producers to dominate the European market.
He also pointed to international sanctions and flawed domestic currency policies as factors exacerbating the decline in Iranian carpet exports to Europe.
Haji-Aqamiri added that 44% of global carpet exports go to the United States, which has sanctioned Iranian carpets. This leaves Iran’s carpet industry focusing on the 56% of the market.
Haji-Aqamiri also said Japan is a promising market for Iranian carpets, emphasizing the importance of participating in expos there.