Iran exports over $326mln worth of hand-woven carpets in 8 months

Iran exported $326.5mln worth of hand-woven carpets in the first 8 months of the current Iranian year (March 21 to November 22, 2011). According to the latest statistical figures released by Iran's Customs Office, the country exported a volume of 4,058 tons of hand-women carpets to 77 countries of the world during the said period. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) with $67mln worth of imports was the first market for Iranian carpets followed by Germany with $60mln worth of imports. Lebanon, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Canada, Qatar, Switzerland and Britain stood third to tenth in importing Iran's hand-woven carpets, respectively. Iran is the leading exporter of hand-woven carpets. Persian rugs are highly sought out for their intricate design and skilled craftsmanship, and that's why Iran exports carpets to more than 100 countries in the world. Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of the Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia. There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. The country produces about five million square meters of carpets annually of which 80 percent are sold in international markets. The United States, Europe (specially Germany and Italy), China, Brazil, South and Central Africa, along with neighboring countries are the most important markets for Iranian made Persian Carpets.