Iran has earned about $400 million since March 21, 2012, by exporting carpets to 70 countries, as stated by Mohammad Bagir Alikhani, Director of the National Carpet Center and Deputy Minister for Industry, Trade and Mining, at a carpet exhibition in the Kerman Province.
45% of them were purchased by Asia, 43% by European countries. Iran exports carpets to China and Brazil and considers exporting to South Africa and Vietnam.
Alikhani said that India, Pakistan, Nepal, Afghanistan and China were the main competitors in carpet industry.
About 8 million people (10% of the population) were into carpet industry. Iran exported hand-made carpets for $500 million last year. 24% of world carpet exports belong to Iran.
