European buyers open to Pakistani carpets after US tariffs on India

The Pakistani booth at Heimtextil in Frankfurt remained busy throughout the day as European buyers showed keen interest in hand-woven Pakistani carpets, with their attractive designs, rich colors and traditional craftsmanship.

Sellers were seen actively rolling out rugs on the showroom floor, closing deals in minutes and exchanging contact information with buyers for future work.

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

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

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

At the Heimtextil Global Home Products Exhibition, a national pavilion for Pakistani carpets was created for the first time, with 10 companies participating. Most of the participating companies are small exporters, many of whom are directly marketing Pakistani carpets to the European market for the first time.

Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers Association President Mian Atiqur Rehman, who is an exhibitor at the event, expressed his satisfaction at 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 since then it had declined to around $70 million.

Taj Rugs Weavers Director Shahid Hussain said it was his first participation in Europe’s largest home textile exhibition and the response was highly encouraging. “Our rugs sold very quickly and buyers from European countries showed strong appreciation,” he said.

SRB Enterprises export manager Zeeshan Ali said the response to the exhibition was unexpectedly strong. “Ninety percent of our rugs were sold within the first two days,” he said, adding that Pakistani rugs attract buyers because of their handmade nature, quality and unique designs.