TEHRAN – The value of Iranian handicrafts exports, excluding traditional jewelry and suitcase trade, has witnessed a 36 percent hike in the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20 -July 21, 2016) compared to the same period last year, an Iranian official announced in a press release on August 31.

TEHRAN – The value of Iranian handicrafts exports, excluding traditional jewelry and suitcase trade, has witnessed a 36 percent hike in the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20 -July 21, 2016) compared to the same period last year, an Iranian official announced in a press release on August 31.

Pouya Mahmoudian said highly sought-after handicrafts such as traditional glassware, potteries, ceramics, and kilims (flat tapestry-woven carpets) constituted the lion’s share of exports during the term.

Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Germany are the main importers of Iranian handicrafts, she added.

Statistics compiled by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran indicate that 2.8 million tons of handicrafts and handwoven carpets, worth $92 million, were exported during the first four months of the present Iranian year.

The exports show a 7 percent fall in weight yet a 28 percent rise in value during the same time in the year before.

Non-oil exports over the said period stood at $16.30 billion, showing 21.11 percent increase compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year, according to the Iran Customs Administration.

The picture above depicts some Iranian potteries meticulously inlaid with enamel.

AFM/MG