Afghanistan Carpet Industry

Afghanistan has been the traditional manufacturer of Carpets and rugs. However carpet industry and the export of carpets and rugs suffered badly when the Taliban came to power. Most of the carpet weavers fled to Pakistan and returned only after the Talibans were defeated.

The carpet sector is one of the most important sector from which Afghanistan earns a lot of foreign revenue. In 2002/03 carpet exports accounted for 47 % of the country´s export earnings.

To boost this sector, United States have provided assistance to Afghanistan. According to statistical data, in 2005, Afghanistan sold abroad $140 million worth of carpets. Most of the carpet manufacturers and skilled craftsmen have migrated to Pakistan. The officials are trying to repatriate them. According to report if government can bring back some of the carpet industry that have migrated to Pakistan, the size of the industry would doubled. U.S. Agency for International Development has projected the growth of this sector 11 percent a year. It is estimated that by 2015, Afghan carpet exports would reach $350 million.

Industry Structure
The carpet industry of Afghanistan, employs more than 1 million people, about 3 percent of the population. Millions of people are working in the associated industry like wool production, cutting, washing and design. Since this industry has a huge export potential, government and private sector are supporting it vigorously.

Most serious problem of Afghan carpet industry is that there is limited direct access to the overseas markets. Currently, most of the production for the overseas market is transported to Pakistan for washing trimming and finishing, and re-exported from there to the overseas markets.

Since there is an old age tradition of carpet weaving in Afghanistan and the carpets woven here bears certain richness and the uniqueness in designs, a promising strategy should focus on the promotion of high quality carpets made in Afghanistan.

Extra Resource
Business opportunity in Afghan Carpet Industry (Pdf)