Afghanistan’s handmade carpet industry continues to strengthen its export presence, generating $18 million in overseas sales during the past year while expanding access to global markets.
According to the official Bakhtar News Agency, Afghanistan exported carpets and rugs worth US$18 million over the last year, reaching customers in 37 countries.
United States, Türkiye, and Europe Lead Demand for Afghan Carpets
Speaking to the agency, Abdullah Rahman Qul, head of the Afghanistan Carpet Union, said approximately 6,000 square meters of carpets and 4,000 square meters of rugs were exported during the period. The largest export destinations included the United States, Türkiye, and several European countries, reflecting sustained international demand for Afghan handmade flooring products.
Rahman Qul highlighted a significant shift in the sector, noting that carpet processing is increasingly being carried out within Afghanistan rather than abroad. He said expanding domestic value-added processing could generate employment for as many as 50,000 additional workers, strengthening both the country’s manufacturing capacity and export competitiveness.
Read more : Afghanistan’s Carpet Industry Calls for Greater Investment to Create Jobs and Boost Exports
To further support industry growth, the Afghanistan Carpet Union plans to increase participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs. The initiative aims to showcase Afghan carpets to a broader audience, attract new buyers, and strengthen commercial relationships in established and emerging markets.
The carpet industry remains one of Afghanistan’s most important economic sectors after agriculture. According to industry figures, it provides direct and indirect employment for approximately 1.2 million people, with women representing a significant share of the workforce involved in weaving and production.
As global demand for authentic handmade carpets continues, increased domestic processing, international marketing efforts, and wider exhibition participation could help Afghanistan further enhance the value and global recognition of its traditional carpet industry.
