Pakistan carpet fair: buyers from 35 countries as exports fall over 20%

The 42nd International Exhibition of Handmade Carpets, organised by the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) with the Ministry of Commerce and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), opened in Lahore on 6 October 2026 and runs until 8 October. The TDAP Chief Executive inaugurated the fair. Buyers from the United States, Germany, Türkiye, China, Russia, Sweden and other countries are attending. According to the organisers in mid-September, more than 80 handmade carpet importers from 35 countries had registered, and participation was expected to exceed 100 buyers.

Key analysis

• Exports shrinking: According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, carpet and rug exports fell by more than 20% in fiscal 2025-26.
• Small but labour-intensive: According to UN Comtrade, Pakistan's exports of carpets and other textile floor coverings were about $57 million in 2024. The country's total exports in the last fiscal year were $30.1 billion and textile exports $17.9 billion. According to the organisers, the handmade carpet industry supports the livelihoods of at least one million families.
• Industry demands: Exporters are asking for support in marketing, modern designs and easier travel for foreign buyers. TDAP said efforts were underway to resolve the visa problems raised at the fair.
• Product: Pakistani carpets are knotted by hand, one row at a time, in wool, silk or a mix of both. The fair also includes a stall of carpets made by prison inmates in Punjab.

Why it matters

The Lahore fair takes place in the same week as India's Bhadohi carpet fair (4–7 October): South Asia's two big handmade carpet producers are courting foreign buyers at the same time. With Pakistan's exports down more than 20% in a year, producers may be more open to flexibility on price and terms for new orders. For importers of handmade carpets this is a negotiating opportunity; for other handmade carpet makers selling in Europe and the US, it means competition.

What members can do

• Importers and retailers: the fair closes on 8 October; contact PCMEA for the exhibitor list and samples, and plan follow-up meetings online given the visa difficulties.
• Carpet and kilim makers: Pakistan and India gathered buyers in the same week; send your new-season offers to your US and German buyers in October.
• Hotel and project suppliers: compare Pakistani prices for hand-knotted carpets with your own contract quotes.

Sources: The Express Tribune, 7 October 2026 · APP, 6 October 2026 · The Nation, 7 October 2026 · The Nation, 14 September 2026