Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Nearly one million Afghans work directly or indirectly in the carpet industry, with exports topping 760,000 square meters this year, officials said.
Nearly one million people in Afghanistan are employed directly or indirectly in the country’s carpet industry, according to the Taliban’s Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, which says the sector remains one of the country’s largest sources of employment and export earnings.
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the office said Afghanistan has exported more than 760,000 square meters of handwoven carpets so far this year, with Turkey, several European countries and Arab states among the main export destinations.
Officials said only a small share of carpets produced in Afghanistan is sold domestically, while most output is shipped to foreign markets. They added that Afghan carpets are increasingly being exported under Afghanistan’s own name and branding rather than being re-exported through third countries, although the figures and claims could not be independently verified.
The administration attributed the industry’s international reputation to the traditional craftsmanship, handmade production methods and distinctive designs of Afghan carpets, describing the sector as an important contributor to economic activity and foreign trade.
Carpet weaving is one of Afghanistan’s oldest traditional industries and remains a vital source of income for hundreds of thousands of households, particularly in the northern, western and central provinces. In addition to weavers, the industry supports employment in wool processing, dyeing, washing, packaging, transportation and export services.
Afghan handwoven carpets are internationally recognized for their craftsmanship, geometric patterns and high-quality wool. The industry has historically ranked among Afghanistan’s most valuable non-agricultural export sectors, generating foreign currency earnings and supporting rural livelihoods.
Despite its export potential, the carpet industry continues to face significant challenges. Producers and exporters have long cited transportation bottlenecks, limited access to international markets, banking restrictions, high shipping costs and broader economic difficulties as major obstacles to expanding exports.
International organizations have also noted that many Afghan carpet weavers work in low-income households, where access to finance, modern production facilities and global marketing opportunities remains limited. Industry representatives have argued that improving market access, trade logistics and financial services could help increase exports and create additional employment across the sector.