Pakistan’s handmade carpet exporters have called for immediate government intervention to address growing supply chain disruptions that are impacting export performance and international commitments.
A delegation from the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to highlight critical operational challenges facing the sector.
Exporters Warn of Market Share Risks
During the meeting, industry representatives raised concerns over disruptions in the supply of partially woven carpets, which are essential for completing export orders. According to the delegation, these delays are increasingly affecting the timely delivery of products to international buyers.
Read more: European Buyers Turn to Pakistani Carpets as US Tariffs Hit India
Senior figures including Abdul Latif Malik (Patron-in-Chief) and Usman Ashraf (former Senior Vice Chairman) warned that prolonged disruptions could weaken Pakistan’s position in highly competitive global markets and reduce foreign exchange earnings.
Exporters emphasized that maintaining reliability in delivery schedules is critical to sustaining long-term relationships with international clients, particularly in premium handmade carpet markets.
Call for Immediate Policy and Operational Support
The delegation urged the government to take swift action to:
- Resolve supply bottlenecks
- Improve coordination across the production chain
- Streamline export-related processes
They stressed that restoring efficiency in the supply chain is essential not only for fulfilling existing contracts but also for rebuilding buyer confidence.
A Historic Industry Under Pressure
The handmade carpet sector is one of Pakistan’s oldest and most recognized export industries, contributing significantly to foreign exchange revenues over the decades.
However, industry representatives noted that exports have declined in recent years due to a combination of logistical challenges, market pressures, and structural inefficiencies. These issues have had a direct impact on thousands of skilled workers, many of whom rely on carpet weaving as a primary source of income.
Government Reaffirms Support for Value-Added Exports
In response, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting value-added export sectors, including handmade carpets.
He highlighted the industry’s broader economic and social importance, noting that it provides employment to large numbers of workers—particularly women in rural areas—while also preserving traditional craftsmanship.
The minister assured the delegation that the government would take necessary steps to address supply chain challenges and facilitate exporters.
Focus on a Competitive and Sustainable Export Economy
The Ministry of Commerce reiterated its focus on building a diversified, competitive, and quality-driven export economy, with handmade carpets playing a strategic role in this vision.
As global competition intensifies, resolving supply chain inefficiencies will be critical for Pakistan’s handmade carpet sector to regain momentum and secure its position in international markets.
