The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced that Afghanistan‘s carpet exports have reached $7.5 million over the past five months. This significant achievement underscores the country’s robust carpet industry, with exports primarily going to neighboring countries and Europe.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, detailed the export statistics: “During the first five months of 2024, more than two million kilograms of carpets worth $7.5 million were exported to countries including Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Italy, Turkey, the United States, India, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, China, and others.”
The Afghanistan Carpet Union reported a 7% increase in carpet sales abroad compared to the previous year, attributing this growth to efforts by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the union itself. Noor Ahmad Noori, head of the Afghanistan Carpet Union, stated, “Due to the concerted efforts of our ministry and the union, sales of Afghan carpets in Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Central Asian countries have increased. This has also led to a 7% rise in domestic sales this year.”
Despite these positive trends, Afghan carpet traders face challenges, particularly in the visa issuance process and the need for more active air corridors. Addressing these issues could further boost exports, the Carpet Union emphasized.
Carpet sellers in Kabul highlighted additional hurdles, noting that some are compelled to sell their carpets to Pakistani traders at lower prices. These traders then re-export the carpets to Europe and the US under Pakistan’s name, diminishing the recognition of Afghan craftsmanship.
Ghulam Ali Shirzad, a carpet seller, explained, “We face sales challenges and often export our carpets to Pakistan. Pakistani traders then re-export these carpets to European countries under Pakistan’s name.”
Makhdoom Quli, another carpet seller, emphasized the unique quality of Afghan carpets: “These carpets are made from pure sheep wool and are hand-woven, without any chemical materials. They are not produced by machines but are intricately woven by Afghan women.”
The Afghanistan Carpet Union continues to advocate for participation in national and international carpet exhibitions, believing that resolving visa issues and activating air corridors will significantly enhance the country’s carpet exports.
