The traditional Afghan carpet industry, once a major contributor to the country’s economy, is facing serious challenges due to a decline in official exports and the rampant smuggling of carpets to neighboring countries. Sellers in Herat have expressed concerns over the adverse effects on local markets, where the price of Afghan carpets has significantly dropped.
Carpet sellers in Herat are urging the interim government to take action against the smuggling of Afghan carpets to Iran and Pakistan, and to work on facilitating the export of these carpets under Afghanistan’s name, ensuring that the country’s rich tradition is recognized globally.
Smuggling and its Impact
According to Izzatullah Yousufi, a representative of handwoven carpet sellers, Afghan carpets are being smuggled to Iran and Pakistan, where they are often exported to international markets under the names of those countries. He pointed out that these carpets are crafted with the skill and effort of Afghan female weavers, who now find it increasingly difficult to sell their products.
Economic Struggles
Abdul Ghafoor Iqbali, another carpet seller, noted that Afghan carpets are taken to Pakistan, washed, and sold as Pakistani carpets in international markets, including Germany and the U.S. The illegal smuggling of these carpets has contributed to a decline in their price in local markets, causing difficulties for carpet weavers who are now producing less due to the lack of demand and unsatisfactory prices.
Price Drop and Reduced Production
Aqa Mohammad, a Herat-based carpet seller, highlighted the financial loss in the trade. Despite paying 600 Afghanis per kilogram for yarn, sellers cannot recover even half of that amount when selling the finished carpets. Production costs for a carpet can reach 3,000 Afghanis, but sellers are unable to sell them for more than 2,000 Afghanis, leaving weavers with no profits.
Sardar Mohammad, another seller, added that there are no buyers in the market due to the high yarn prices and the overall economic situation, leading to a significant decrease in carpet production.
Despite these challenges, Afghan carpets are still renowned worldwide for their beauty, craftsmanship, and quality, especially in the northern and western regions of Afghanistan. However, the loss of their presence in global markets due to smuggling and declining demand has dampened the vibrancy of the local carpet market.
The carpet industry, once a symbol of Afghan culture, now requires urgent attention to prevent further decline, protect the livelihoods of skilled artisans, and restore the reputation of Afghan handwoven carpets on the global stage.
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