Carpet producers in Türkiye sold 283.79 million square meters of carpets to 183 countries and free trade zones during the first six months of 2024.
From these exports, Turkish carpet manufacturers earned $1.374 billion, marking a 7.6% increase compared to the same period of the previous year.
The sector generated its highest revenue – $1.085 billion – from machine-made carpets. Following machine-made carpets were tufted carpets (special designs) at $245.15 million, handwoven carpets at $39.74 million, and kilims at $4.36 million.
Handwoven carpet exports rose by 28.1% compared to the same period of the previous year, while tufted carpets saw a 14.1% increase.
US Maintains Top Rank
By country, the largest export market for Turkish carpets remained the United States, at $397.76 million. Saudi Arabia followed with $165.20 million, the UK was third with $89.80 million, and Iraq ranked fourth at $81.48 million.
In the first six months of the year, Iraq saw the biggest jump compared to the same period of the previous year, at 77.2%. The Netherlands followed with a 49.2% increase, while Mauritania posted a 47.9% rise.
Gaziantep led carpet exports from Türkiye, with a total of $944.69 million, while $325.95 million of exports originated from Istanbul.
GAİB Leads in Carpet Exports
Representing 67.7% of Türkiye’s carpet exports, GAİB topped the list with exports totaling $930.88 million in the first half of the year – a 10.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Zeynal Abidin Kaplan, Chair of the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters’ Association, noted that although the sector faced challenges due to the earthquakes on February 6, it recovered swiftly and continues progressing toward its goals. While meeting existing demand, the sector also pursues new market opportunities to support its export policy.
Pointing out that multiple Foreign Trade Delegation visits have been arranged under the Ministry of Trade’s “Distant Countries” project, Kaplan stated:
“We will continue these efforts in the coming period, ensuring that Gaziantep carpets reach even the farthest destinations. Looking at the first six months, we see various increases compared to the same period last year. The carpet sector adds high added value, both for the national economy and for our Southeastern region, especially Gaziantep. We hold a prominent position globally in the production of machine-made carpets, and we are working hard to maintain these achievements.”