The exports of handwoven carpets from Iran increased by 18.4 per cent year-on-year to $345.7 million in the last Iranian year that ended on March 20, according to Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. In terms of quantity, Iran exported 5,700 tons of handwoven carpets during the year, registering a growth of 7.5 per cent.
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The increase in handwoven carpet exports was mainly due to the resumption of exports to the US post-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (or the nuclear deal signed by Iran with world powers in 2015). Traditionally, the US is the biggest market for Persian carpets.
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Iran also exported 55,500 tons of machine-woven exports valued at $306.5 million during the 12-month period, indicating a decrease of 8.9 per cent and a rise of 4.3 per cent, respectively.
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The exports of other textile items weighed 98,500 tons and were valued at $278.3 million, showing a year-on-year growth of 8.6 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively.
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Some 3,800 tons of apparel worth $46.2 million and 8,100 tons of leather products valued at $61.3 million were also exported during the year.
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Thus, Iran earned over $1.13 billion in revenue from exports of textile items during the year, which was 1.7 per cent decline compared to the earlier year.