Iran’s hand-woven carpet exports declined significantly during the last Iranian fiscal year, highlighting the continued challenges facing one of the country’s most iconic export industries.
According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA), Iran exported more than $471 million worth of hand-woven carpets during the fiscal year ending March 20, 2025, representing a 17.7% decrease in value compared with the previous year.
The report also showed that export volumes fell by 8.6%, indicating weaker international shipments despite the enduring global reputation of Persian handmade carpets.
Carpet Industry Faces Export Headwinds
The decline reflects ongoing pressures on Iran’s carpet industry, including changing global market conditions, international trade restrictions, increased competition from other carpet-producing countries, and shifting consumer preferences.
Despite the decrease, hand-woven carpets remain one of Iran’s most valuable non-oil export products and continue to play an important role in supporting rural employment, traditional craftsmanship and foreign exchange earnings.
Following hand-woven carpets, handicrafts and jewellery made from turquoise, precious stones and precious metals ranked among Iran’s leading non-oil export categories.
According to customs data, Iran exported 26.6 tons of handicrafts valued at $563.9 million during the same period. However, this category also recorded a 12.6% year-on-year decline, reflecting broader challenges affecting the country’s traditional export sectors.
Traditional Exports Continue to Contribute to Non-Oil Trade
Although exports weakened, carpets and handicrafts continued to contribute to Iran’s non-oil export portfolio. Customs statistics show that carpets accounted for approximately 0.2% of non-oil export volume, while carpets and handicrafts together represented 8.8% of total non-oil export value.
Compared with the previous fiscal year, these shares also declined, with weight falling by 0.1% and export value decreasing by 2.9%.
Industry observers note that increasing international marketing efforts, expanding access to global markets, digital sales channels and stronger support for traditional artisans could help revive Iran’s hand-woven carpet exports in the coming years.
Widely recognized for their craftsmanship, artistic heritage and durability, Persian hand-woven carpets remain among the world’s most prestigious textile products, with demand continuing across luxury residential, hospitality and collector markets despite recent export declines.
