Reopening of Iran-U.S. Trade Relations Could Boost Persian Rug Industry

Heavy restrictions in trading between Iran and the U.S. have halted the import of Persian rugs to America since September 2010. However, things may change after a deal between these two countries and five others pushes through.

According to a news release, members of the U.N. Security Council — most notably the U.S., China, Russia, France, and the U.K. — are currently in discussions with Iran to settle the nuclear limitations deal in order to reopen trade and distribution of goods between these countries. Analysts and rug dealers believe that this will be big for the economy, specifically for the Persian rug industry.

Contrary to what many people believe, the Persian rug industry has continued to flourish, although people in the U.S. haven’t seen new designs since the nuclear restrictions were set in motion in 2010. Rug makers in Iran have been churning out beautiful, design-heavy, and absolutely colorful Persian rugs through the years, and it would be great if U.S. residents can enjoy these new creations. “It would be nice to see rugs coming in with more character than the Mahi Tabriz, pastel Kermans, and over-dyed Hamadans we’ve seen so many of over here,” said rug cleaning company owner Lisa Wagner.

The loosening of tensions between Iran and the U.S. could introduce an influx of a wide range of Persian rugs from the most luxurious to even the more affordable kinds that the average folk can buy. “I’m hopeful that they bring in some new things. The more traditional stuff is, especially at the high end, what Persian rugs are known for. That’s such a thin market. I’m hopeful there’s a middle market there — the tribal rugs, basic village rugs that everyday people would get — not $100,000, 9 by 12 all-silk Tabrizes, that sort of thing,” said rug dealer Mark Moran.