Afghan Carpet exports surge by 30%, Ministry reports

KABUL (Tolo News): The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has revealed that the export of Afghan carpets has seen an upswing of 30% over the past four months when compared to the same period last year.

According to ministry data spanning from the solar months of Hamal to Saratan (March 21 to July 22), Afghan carpets worth more than $7 million have been exported to various countries, including Turkey, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Uzbekistan.

“During the initial three months of the first quarter of [solar year] 1402, carpet exports reached $4,470,000,” stated Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

Notably, some carpet exporters spoke about a notable surge in direct exports of Afghan carpets to European and American nations.

In the past year, our sales have increased, and a significant number of our customers are from abroad. We are now also facilitating our own transfers,” revealed Mohammad Sabir, a carpet vendor.

Sayed Mohammad, another carpet vendor, emphasized the quality of Afghan carpets, expressing hope for support from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to further boost production and sales in this sector.

“Our carpet is the best in the world. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan should help us and our investors to have production and sales in this field,” Mohammad said.

The Union of Carpet Producers and Exporters emphasized the positive impact of international exhibitions on promoting the Afghan handwoven carpet industry. Hosting such exhibitions has proved pivotal in driving exports upward.

“We recently witnessed a triumphant exhibition in the city of Astana, Kazakhstan. We remain optimistic that such exhibitions will continue to be organized, affording us the opportunity to showcase our products,” said Noor Ahmad Noori, head of the Union of Carpet Producers and Exporters.

Ministry of Industry and Commerce statistics outline that Afghanistan’s carpet exports reached approximately $22 million in value during the solar year 1401

(2022), with key markets including Pakistan, Turkey, the United States, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates.