Machine-made carpets have long been a prominent sector in Iran’s textile industry, with nearly 700 manufacturing companies engaged in their production. The industry’s unique dynamics, technological advancements, and commitment to quality have positioned it for significant growth, potentially reaching an astounding $1 billion in exports.
Iran’s machine-made carpet sector is predominantly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies with over 10 weaving machines are a rarity. Despite economic challenges in recent years, the country has maintained an impressive installed production capacity of over 100 million square meters of machine-made carpets annually. Notably, many of the world’s latest weaving machines are first introduced in Iran, highlighting the industry’s dedication to staying at the cutting edge of technology.
An important aspect that sets Iran apart is that its machine carpet industry is entirely private, devoid of government involvement. This autonomy allows Iranian machine-made carpets to prioritize quality and elegance, often commanding higher prices in the global market.
While Iran currently enjoys approximately $300 million in machine-made carpet exports, a significant portion of these textiles caters to the bustling domestic market. In a country with a population of 83 million, the demand for carpets in homes is substantial. Urban areas, with nearly 64 million residents, along with rural areas housing over 20 million people, contribute to a massive internal market. There are approximately 26 million households nationwide, with a majority residing in urban areas, accounting for a significant potential market for machine-made carpets.
Behnam Ghasemi, an industry expert, emphasizes two fundamental factors for increasing Iran’s machine-made carpet exports: the removal of economic sanctions and a shift towards producing affordable carpets to meet global demand. With these changes, Iran’s machine-made carpet exports could easily surpass the $1 billion mark.
Competition among Iranian companies within the domestic market is fierce, driven by the demand for high-quality machine-made carpets. The industry’s focus on elegance and innovation has positioned Iran as a significant contender in the global machine-made carpet market.
As the country navigates economic challenges and international sanctions, its machine-made carpet industry stands as a shining example of resilience and potential for significant economic growth, both domestically and on the global stage. Iran’s quest for quality and excellence is driving its trajectory toward the $1 billion export milestone.
