Turkish carpet export revenue reaches $1.37 billion in first half of 2024

In the first half of 2024, Turkish carpet exporters achieved a significant milestone, generating $1.37 billion in revenue from exporting 283.79 million square meters of carpets.

According to data compiled from the Southeastern Anatolia Exporters’ Association (GAIB), Turkish carpet manufacturers sold their products to 183 countries and free zones.

Increase in export volume and revenue

Compared to the same period last year, Turkish carpet exports increased by 7.6%. The sector’s most significant revenue came from machine-made carpets, amounting to $1.09 billion. Following this were tufted carpets (special designs) with $145.15 million, hand-woven carpets with $39.73 million, and kilims with $4.35 million. Notably, hand-woven carpet exports rose by 28.1%, and tufted carpets by 14.1%.

US remains top market

The United States remained the largest market for Turkish carpets, with exports reaching $397.76 million. Saudi Arabia followed with $165.2 million, the United Kingdom with $89.8 million, and Iraq with $81.48 million. Iraq showed the most significant increase in imports from Türkiye, with a 77.2% rise, followed by the Netherlands at 49.2% and Mauritania at 47.9%.

Gaziantep emerged as the leading city in carpet exports, contributing $944.69 million to the total revenue. Istanbul followed with $325.95 million in exports.

GAIB’s dominant role

GAIB (Southeastern Anatolia Exporters Union) held a dominant 67.7% share of Türkiye’s carpet exports, with $930.88 million in revenue, marking a 10.3% increase from the previous year. Zeynal Abidin Kaplan, President of GAIB, highlighted the sector’s resilience and strategic progress despite recent earthquakes.

Kaplan emphasized ongoing efforts to meet existing demand while exploring new markets, particularly under the Turkish Ministry of Trade’s “Distant Countries” project. He stated, “We will continue to organize Foreign Trade Delegations globally, ensuring Gaziantep’s carpets reach the farthest destinations. The sector significantly contributes to the national economy, Southeastern region, and Gaziantep. Our leadership in machine-made carpet production is recognized worldwide, and we are committed to maintaining this success.”