Local officials and carpet sellers in Herat have told that Afghan carpets, after being smuggled to Iran and Pakistan, are exported to the world under the names of these countries.
According to some carpet sellers in Herat, due to the decline in official carpet exports and the smuggling of carpets to neighboring countries, the price of traditional Afghan carpets has dropped in the markets.
Carpet sellers in Herat have called on the interim government to not only prevent the smuggling of Afghan handwoven carpets to neighboring countries but also to facilitate their export under Afghanistan’s name.
Izzatullah Yousufi, the representative of handwoven carpet sellers in Herat“Afghan handmade carpets are smuggled to Iran and Pakistan and then exported to other countries under the names of Iranian and Pakistani carpets.”
These carpets are crafted with the skill and hard work of female carpet weavers, who now struggle to find buyers. Not long ago, the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of these handwoven carpets served as ambassadors of Afghan culture and art in global markets; however, their demand has now diminished even within the country.
Abdul Ghafoor Iqbali, a carpet seller in Herat, said: “Afghan carpets are taken to Pakistan, where they are washed and then exported to Germany, the U.S., and other countries under the name of Pakistani carpets.”
The decline in exports and the smuggling of these handwoven carpets to neighboring countries have led to a drop in their prices in domestic markets. As a result, carpet weavers have reduced their production.
Aqa Mohammad, another carpet seller in Herat, said: “Carpets are not being exported. We buy yarn at 600 afghanis per kilogram, but when we sell the carpet, we can’t even make back 300 afghanis per kilogram. For example, making a carpet costs 3,000 afghanis, but no one buys it for even 2,000 afghanis.”
Sardar Mohammad, another carpet seller, said: “Currently, there are no buyers, and yarn is expensive. Those who weave carpets do not make a profit, and production has significantly decreased.”
The beauty and elegance of Afghan handwoven carpets remain as strong as ever, yet the markets have lost their vibrancy. These carpets are globally renowned for their high quality and diversity. A significant portion of Afghan handwoven and traditional carpets is produced in the northern and western regions of the country.