Weaving the World Together Through Global Carpet Trade
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics of residential or commercial spaces, carpets are among the most popular choices for flooring because of their warmth, comfort, and visual appeal. These textile floor coverings are made from a variety of materials and are available in a range of colors, patterns, and styles. Though earlier wool was the primary fiber for carpet weaving, today synthetic alternatives (such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene) are more common due to their durability and affordability. The art of making carpets started thousands of years ago in the plains of Central Asia. Nomadic tribes used woven fabrics and mats for protection during cold winters, as they needed something more portable, functional, and easier to handle than sheepskin coverings. Besides, they also wanted to decorate their tents. Early carpets featured geometric or curvilinear patterns. The Pazyryk carpet, with its elaborate design and artistry, is the oldest surviving knotted carpet found in Siberia, dating back to the 5th century BC.
Carpets have certainly woven their way through various cultures and periods across the world, from flourishing in Persia to becoming essential in the Ottoman and Mughal eras. The rise of the Silk Road (247 BCE – 651 CE) made Persia a major trading power, and this network of trade routes connected East Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. In fact, soon Persian carpets became one of its most prized exports on the Silk Road, serving as both valuable goods and cultural bridges between East and West. The Industrial Revolution led to the mass production of carpets with synthetic dyes and fibers. Later, 20th-century tufting technology made carpet manufacturing faster and more efficient. India, China, Turkey, the United States, and many European countries are the major players in the global carpet trade. With the growing number of carpet buyers worldwide, this popular trade commodity is creating new opportunities for exporters and suppliers.
The Growing Demand & Types of Carpets for Export and Import

The global demand for carpets is on a constant rise due to a number of factors. The major factors include urbanization, increasing expenditure on home furnishings, and the growth of e-commerce. People today want their spaces to look aesthetically appealing and stylish, and carpets are a great way to do that, while also being practical and affordable. Furthermore, the demand for carpets is diversified across various buyer segments.
- Homeowners & interior designers (looking for home floor carpet, room carpet, and kitchen carpet)
- Retailers & Wholesalers (sourcing wholesale carpet and rug imports in bulk)
- Hospitality & Office Spaces (investing in office carpet, floor-to-floor carpet, and carpet floor coverings)
- Cultural & Heritage Markets (interest in oriental rug importers, wool carpet, and handmade carpets)
- Event & Outdoor Buyers (preferring green carpet, imitation grass carpet, or artificial carpet grass for temporary installations)
Carpet Type | Material Used | Price Range | Best Used For | Features/ In-Demand Regions |
Tufted | Nylon, polyester, wool blends | Low to Medium | Mass market, commercial projects | - Machine-made with versatile textures and patterns
- Fast production & easy to ship
- High demand, especially in the USA, Middle East & Europe
|
Woven | Wool, wool blends | High | Luxury market, hotels | - Premium pricing & niche market
- Durable, detailed patterns, heritage appeal & luxury feel (Axminster/Wilton)
- Longer production cycle & popular in the UK, China, and UAE
|
Loop Pile | Olefin, nylon, wool | Low to Medium | Residential, light commercial | - Uncut yarn loops, highly durable and low maintenance
- Easy to produce in bulk; long-term wear resistance
- Popular in USA, Australia, Canada
|
Berber Loop Pile | Wool, olefin, nylon | Medium | Contemporary residential and offices | - Trendy and stain-resistant with textured flecks, soft loops
- Requires careful packing to prevent crushing
- Popular markets include USA, UK, South Africa
|
Bonded | Recycled fibers, felt, synthetic | Very Low | Exhibitions, rentals, DIY flooring, budget segments | - Fused layers; non-woven and cost-effective
- Lightweight, ideal for short-term use
- Popular in Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America
|
Cut Pile | Nylon, polyester, blends | Medium | General residential | - Soft, sheared yarn tips for comfort
- Available in plush and textured versions
- Widely used in USA, Europe, India
|
Frieze | Nylon, twisted fibers | Medium | Casual living spaces, apartments, rental markets | - Tightly twisted fibers with curly texture
- Hides footprints and stains well
- High demand in USA, Canada, UAE
|
Saxony Pile | Polyester, nylon | Medium to High | Premium residential | - Dense, velvety surface; elegant appearance
- Shows footprints; best for low-traffic use
- Popular in USA, Germany, Japan
|
Twist Pile | Wool blends, synthetics | Medium | Mid to upper range home décor | - Textured finish with highly twisted yarns
- Resilient and modern in appearance
- Common in UK, Australia, New Zealand
|
Tip Sheared | Nylon, blends | Medium | Design-focused interiors, hotel rooms | - Combo of cut and loop pile for visual depth
- Subtle patterns with a sculpted look
- Demand in Europe, Middle East
|
Velvet Pile | Wool, wool blends | High | Luxury décor, upscale hospitality, formal spaces, theaters | - Dense, soft finish with uniform pile
- Elegant, smooth surface; luxury appeal
- Strong market in UK, Russia, UAE
|
Triexta | PTT (eco-polyester) | Medium | Eco-conscious and allergy-friendly homes | - Naturally stain-resistant and soft
- Hypoallergenic and durable for families
- Growing demand in USA, Australia, South Korea
|
Outdoor Carpets | Polypropylene, olefin | Low | Patios, balconies, poolside areas | - Water- and UV-resistant, mold-resistant
- Designed for outdoor exposure
- Popular in USA, Middle East, Mediterranean regions
|
Carpet Tiles | Nylon, polypropylene | Medium | Offices, schools, modular installations | - Modular design; easy to install/replace
- Durable and ideal for high foot traffic
- Strong demand in Europe, SE Asia, USA
|
Eco-friendly/Organic | Jute, sisal, wool | Medium to High | Sustainable homes, eco projects | - Made from natural, biodegradable fibers
- Textured, rustic look; environmentally friendly
- High demand in Europe, USA, Japan
|
Exporters dealing in carpets often expand into related categories to appeal to a large section of buyers. To make your export business more profitable, you can extend your offerings, including:
- Different Carpet Varieties: Woolen Carpets, Handmade Carpets, Cotton Carpets, Silk Carpets, Synthetic Carpets, Coir Carpets, Jute Carpets, Acrylic Carpets, Carpet Tiles
- Rugs: Woolen Rugs, Jute Rugs, Chenille Rugs, Art Rugs, Cotton Rugs, Prayer Rugs, Rag Rugs
- Floor Coverings: Carpet Tiles, Jute Floor Coverings
- Mats: Place Mats, Bath Mats, Jute Mats, Rubber Mats, Plastic Mats
- Home Furnishing Add-Ons: Sofa, Curtains, Wall Hangings, and more
Carpet Market Insights: Important Data for Suppliers and Exporters
Here are the key market insights that every supplier and exporter should know to make well-informed decisions for business growth.
Global Carpet Market Size:
Metric | Value |
Market Size (2024) | USD 58.93 Billion |
Projected Market Size (2025) | USD 64.19 Billion |
Projected Market Size (2032) | USD 133.94 Billion |
CAGR | 11.08% |
Dominating Region (2024) | North America with a market share of 36.93% |
Source: Fortune Business Insights
Top 3 Carpet Importers Worldwide
Country Name | Total Shipments |
United States | 2,323,131 |
India | 220,951 |
United Kingdom | 208,694 |
Source: Volza
Carpets HSN Codes Based on Different Varieties:
HSN Code | Carpet Type |
5701 | Knotted pile carpets (e.g., hand-knotted wool carpets) |
5702 | Woven carpets (including Axminster, Wilton, etc.) |
5703 | Tufted carpets (machine-made or hand-tufted) |
5704 | Felt carpets and textile floor coverings (needle-punched, bonded) |
5705 | Other carpets including Carpet tiles, Cut and Loop Pile, Frieze, Saxony, Tip Sheared, Velvet Pile, Twist Pile, Outdoor Carpets |
Visit our Communities section to gain deeper insights into textile & garments products including carpets, and connect with fellow traders to grow your export business.
How to Find Verified Carpets Importers & Buyers Globally?
Whether you are looking for oriental rug importers or floor-to-floor carpet buyers online, here are the most effective methods to get started:
- Participate in industry-specific trade fairs, such as Domotex (Germany & Turkey), Indian Handicrafts & Gifts Fair (IHGF), and China Import & Export Fair (Canton Fair). These events attract importers, wholesalers, and retailers actively sourcing carpets.
- Government bodies like EPCH (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts), DGFT, and FIEO (India) provide verified lists of carpet importers, trade leads, and export intelligence reports. These are reliable because buyers listed often go through a vetting process.
- Joining associations like the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) or regional chambers of commerce gives you access to exclusive buyer lists, export tenders, and B2B matchmaking programs.
- Also, you can search for terms like 'carpet buyers near me' or 'wholesale carpet importers' on Google to find top-ranking and relevant buyer listings in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Who is the biggest importer of carpets?
The United States is the biggest importer of carpets, followed by India and the United Kingdom.
2. What is the best carpet for resale value?
For resale value, nylon or triexta carpets are usually considered the best choices due to their durability, stain resistance, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. However, high-quality hand-knotted wool carpets, especially Persian-style, also make a great choice.
3. What are the most popular carpet materials?
The most popular carpet materials are wool (durable & gives a luxurious feel), nylon (stain resistant and known for its strength), and polyester (budget-friendly and stain-resistant).
4. What are the latest carpet trends?
Here are the latest carpet trends driving the market demand:
- Sustainable fibers with anti-stain finishes
- Geometric and abstract designs
- Nature-inspired colors like sage green, terracotta, and warm browns
- Patterns blending traditional and modern aesthetics (like statement stripes)
- Plush and high-pile carpets for a luxurious feel
- Module carpet tiles with customization options
5. What types of carpets does India export?
India primarily exports the following types of carpets:
- Hand-knotted wool and silk blends
- Tufted carpets
- Jute carpets
- Cotton dhurries
- Machine-made synthetic carpets
- Coir carpets
6. Which Indian cities are known for carpet production?
Bhadohi (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh is called the "Carpet City of India". It is a major carpet hub employing over 2 million weavers.
7. What is the growth potential for the carpet export market?
The carpet export market has strong growth potential, with the global market size projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.08%, increasing from USD 64.19 billion in 2025 to USD 133.94 billion by 2032.
8. Which countries export carpets?
India, China, and Turkey are the biggest exporters of carpets.
Latest News Related to Carpet Global Trade:
India’s Carpet Export Promotion Council urges reciprocal tariffs on Turkish machine-made carpets, seeking fair trade, improved export parity, and stronger support for rural artisans. (Full Story: Times of India)