Wool consumption up as kilims & floor rugs gain popularity
21 Oct '05
1 min read
Turkey is the world's fourth largest consumer of wool. At the manufacturing stage, just over a third of total wool used in the production of woolen carpets on small hand looms for usually domestic purposes.
In recent times, it is found that production of machine-made woven wool carpet is increasing, in part to cater to a growing export market segment.
Wool used in carpet manufacture is sourced domestically and supplemented by imports from near-by countries, notably Romania and Lebanon.
Australia is also a major supplier of raw wool to Turkey, but its exports are for apparel end-uses.
Turkey's exports of wool carpet have grown steadily since 2001 with hand-woven rugs, such as kilims topping them.
The country's close proximity to Europe and relatively low labour costs are positive for Turkey's carpet exports.
Currently, loose floor rugs are gaining widespread popularity that complement with wooden and tile floors in homes at major consumer markets.