Indian tariffs open door for Pakistani carpets

The Pakistani pavilion at the Heimtextil exhibition in Frankfurt remained busy throughout the day as European buyers showed strong interest in handmade Pakistani carpets, drawn by their attractive designs, rich colours and traditional craftsmanship.

Sellers were seen actively unfurling carpets across the exhibition hall floor, finalising deals within minutes and exchanging contact details with buyers for future business.

Pakistani exporters, after the United States, have now turned their focus towards the European market, using the world's largest home textile exhibition as a gateway to reach new buyers. Handmade traditional carpets from Pakistan emerged as a key attraction at Heimtextil, where participating exporters reported a response far better than expectations.

The imposition of additional tariffs by the US on Indian products has revived hopes for the recovery of Pakistan's declining carpet industry. Following renewed demand for Pakistani carpets in the US market, the exporters have now begun making serious efforts to establish a presence in Europe, with Heimtextil providing an effective and timely platform.

Encouraged by the strong response, the carpet industry has expressed determination to raise exports from the previous peak level of $350 million to $500 million.

At the Heimtextil global home products exhibition, a national pavilion for Pakistani carpets has been set up for the first time, featuring 10 companies. Most of the participating firms are small exporters, many of whom are directly marketing Pakistani carpets in the European market for the first time.

Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers Association Chairman Mian Atiqur Rehman, who is an exhibitor at the event, expressed satisfaction over Pakistan's strong participation in an international exhibition after decades and the encouraging response received from buyers.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, he said that by the year 2000, Pakistan's carpet exports had reached $350 million, but have since declined to around $70 million.

Taj Rugs Weavers Director Shahid Hussain said that it was his first participation in Europe's largest home textile exhibition and the response had been highly encouraging. "Our carpets were sold very quickly and buyers from European countries showed strong appreciation," he said.

SRB Enterprises Export Manager Zeeshan Ali said the response at the exhibition was unexpectedly strong. "Ninety per cent of our carpets were sold within the first two days," he said, adding that Pakistani carpets were attracting buyers due to their handmade nature, quality and unique designs.