Iran leading in exports of hand-woven carpets

Iran has exported 80 percent of its hand-woven carpets to the international markets, Director of Coordination Department of Carpet Management Organization Lotfi Afshar said. "80 percent of the country's hand-woven carpet has thus far been exported to the international markets," Afshar said. "Hand-woven carpet is an absolute advantage (for Iran) and this is the only good in the world led by Iran," he pointed out. 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 1.2mln weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export. The country produces about 5mln 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.