The head of the Afghanistan Carpet Producers and Exporters Union says that Afghan carpets are currently exported to at least 37 countries worldwide. According to him, the carpet industry in Afghanistan’s northern provinces has created employment opportunities for around 15,000 people, the majority of whom are women.
Speaking to the Taliban-controlled National Television on Saturday, 11 July, Abdullah Rahman Qol said that most Afghan carpets are exported to Türkiye, European countries, the United States, Canada, and several Arab countries.
He stated that Afghanistan’s current carpet production capacity has reached approximately 10,000 square meters per month, adding that the carpet industry remains one of the country’s key manufacturing and export sectors.
According to the head of the Afghanistan Carpet Producers and Exporters Union, the high quality of Afghan carpets, their authentic designs, the craftsmanship of local weavers, and the use of natural wool are among the main factors that have made Afghan carpets a well-recognized and sought-after product in international markets.
Rahman Qol also said that Afghanistan currently exports carpets in approximately 18 different quality grades to global markets. He added that Afghan kilims are produced in five quality grades and exported to various countries.
Carpets are among Afghanistan’s most important export commodities and are widely regarded as a symbol of the country’s artistic heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural identity. They also make a significant contribution to Afghanistan’s non-oil exports.
In recent years, as the Taliban have continued to enforce restrictions on girls’ education and keep secondary schools closed to female students, many girls who have been denied access to education have turned to carpet weaving. They are now employed in various segments of the carpet industry.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
