In the first eight months of the Iranian calendar (ending November 21) the value of exports of hand-woven Persian carpets increased seven percent compared to the same period of the previous year.
The Mehr News Agency cited Iran Customs Administration reports stating that during this time $291 million dollars worth of carpets weighing 4,600 tons have been exported.
The National Iranian Carpet Center has devised plans to increase the amount of exports of Persian carpets.
In 2008, Iran's export of hand-woven carpets was $420 million.
The Persian carpet is an essential part of Persian art and culture.
Carpet-weaving is undoubtedly one of the most distinguished manifestations of Persian culture and art, and dates back to ancient Persia.
There is an estimated population of 1.2 million weavers in Iran producing carpets for domestic markets and international export.
In recent times Iranian carpets have come under fierce competition from other countries producing fakes of the original Iranian designs as well as genuine cheaper substitutes.