Handmade carpets to lift exports

The head of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, said on Tuesday that the country's handmade carpets enjoy a recognised image abroad and could help raise exports further, according to The Express Tribune. He made the remarks at the opening of the 42nd edition of the international carpet fair, where he said support for the sector would be widened and export promotion was a priority. He also called for more innovation and better coordination between the public and private sectors.

UN Comtrade data put Pakistan's 2024 shipments of carpets and other floor coverings at roughly $57 million, a small figure against total exports of $30.1 billion last fiscal year. Bureau of Statistics figures cited in the report indicate a fall of over 20% in 2025-26 for rugs and carpets, while several other export lines grew. Exporters say the sector needs help with marketing, modern designs and smoother travel for overseas buyers.

The craft has deep roots, with weaving in the region linked to the Mughal era and Lahore still home to many factories and exporters. Each carpet is knotted by hand, so no two are alike, a major reason buyers abroad pay higher prices than for machine-made rugs. A large number of purchasers have come to the three-day fair from countries including the United States, Germany, Turkiye, China, Russia and Sweden.