Carpet Exports Persist Through Third Countries Amid Fierce Competition

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking to ILNA, Kamani highlighted that exports are no longer limited to official customs channels, with a portion of carpets leaving the country via suitcase trade or through intermediary nations. This resilience underscores the enduring global appeal of Iranian handwoven carpets, even as competitors like India, China, and Egypt intensify their efforts to dominate the international market.

Kamani emphasized the pivotal role of Iran’s private sector in sustaining the carpet industry. “Private sector associations have long been the standard-bearers of Iranian carpets,” she said. “Their personal investments have kept the industry alive, proudly raising the flag of Iranian carpets in various countries.” She called for greater collaboration among industry stakeholders, suggesting the creation of a unified platform to bring together designers, dyers, weavers, restorers, and traders. Such synergy, she argued, would enhance the visibility of each segment’s capabilities and bolster the industry as a whole.

Innovation, paired with a commitment to preserving tradition, was another key focus of Kamani’s remarks. She urged the industry to adopt modern technologies and innovative approaches to stay competitive, noting that Iran’s rivals are leveraging advanced methods to capture market share. “Our competitors are smartly working to outpace us, while we remain stuck in traditional methods,” she warned. “We have yet to fully embrace modern marketing and sales strategies.” Kamani believes that integrating technologies like artificial intelligence could revolutionize the industry, provided authenticity—a hard-earned hallmark of Iranian carpets—remains intact. “I advocate for technological advancement with utmost caution to safeguard our heritage,” she stressed.

Kamani identified India, China, and Egypt as Iran’s primary competitors in the global handwoven carpet market. These countries have secured top rankings by modernizing their industries with cutting-edge technology. She also noted that Afghanistan and Pakistan have surpassed Iran in carpet finishing and restoration, largely due to Iran’s struggles with external sanctions and internal limitations. “To foreign sanctions, we must add our own self-imposed restrictions,” she remarked.

Among these domestic hurdles, Kamani singled out the currency repatriation law as particularly burdensome for exporters. Additionally, the temporary transit of handmade carpets is constrained by tight deadlines, while the critical areas of restoration and finishing remain neglected in Iran. Turkey, she pointed out, has capitalized on this gap, employing Iranian restorers to boost its own economy. High import tariffs on raw materials, currency fluctuations, and the inability of Iranian exporters to open letters of credit (unlike their competitors) further complicate the situation. Kamani called for export incentives to alleviate these pressures and level the playing field.

Despite these obstacles, Iranian carpets maintain a foothold in global markets. “Not all exports go through customs,” Kamani explained. “Some are carried out through suitcases, others via third countries. This shows that, despite all limitations, Iranian carpets still have devoted fans worldwide.”

Kamani asserted that no competitor has yet surpassed the artistry of Iranian carpets. While rivals may excel in mass production and commercial strategies, the unique appeal of Iranian craftsmanship endures. “Museums around the world still seek to acquire even a single Iranian rug,” she noted proudly.

She attributed this lasting value to the superior quality of Iran’s raw materials and the expertise of its weavers. Wool from regions like Kermanshah, Sirjan, and Sistan offers unmatched durability for everyday carpets, yet Kamani lamented that India has been importing Iranian wool to enhance its own products. Iran also excels in producing plant-based dyes from its rich pastures and deserts, yielding stable colors that endure for centuries. “Thanks to our materials and skilled weavers, Iranian carpets can last over 100 years,” she said.

Kamani emphasized that Iranian carpets transcend mere consumer goods. “They are works of art, not just luxury items,” she said. “Iranian carpets are a global brand—we don’t need to build recognition from scratch.” However, she stressed the need to expand market reach beyond traditional buyers and appeal to younger generations through modern strategies.

In conclusion, while Iran’s carpet industry faces stiff competition and structural challenges, its global reputation remains unrivaled. By blending innovation with tradition, Kamani believes Iran can not only preserve its legacy but also reclaim its dominance in the international market.