TİM/Gültepe: Our Goal for the Carpet Industry by 2025 is to Achieve $279 Billion in Exports
Foreks - One of the largest events in the carpet and flooring sector, the Carpet and Flooring Expo (CFE), has opened its doors at the Istanbul Fair Center. Taking place from January 7 to 10, 2025, the fair will showcase innovations that will revolutionize the carpet industry. Organized by Tüyap Fair Organization Group in collaboration with the Istanbul Carpet Exporters Association and the Southeastern Anatolia Carpet Exporters Association, this major event is welcoming its visitors in 11 halls across an area of 120,000 square meters.
Intense Marketing Efforts for Global Promotion
CFE 2025 has already become a highly anticipated event in the industry, thanks to effective marketing efforts in 80 countries. The intense initiatives carried out by Tüyap Fair Organization Group were further enhanced by CFE officials' participation in the Japantex Fair. As a result of these strategic efforts, a large number of professionals from the Asia Pacific market are showing interest in CFE 2025 from day one.
“Turkey is Competing at the Pinnacle of the Carpet Industry”
During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan emphasized Turkey's success in the carpet sector and stated, “Our country has achieved the second-largest export figure in the world, and the carpet sector is continually advancing toward greater numbers. By increasing investment, employment, and exports, we are adding significant value to our country. We are continuously increasing our carpet exports primarily to America, as well as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Kingdom.”
"We Heat the World with the Gaziantep Model"
Fatma Şahin, the Mayor of Gaziantep, highlighted the significance of Istanbul and Gaziantep in her speech, saying, “We are in Istanbul, the heart of cities. We are in a city that is very precious to us. We bring our greetings from the capital of carpet weaving.” She mentioned that they work with the "Gaziantep model," emphasizing, "There is great labor and heart in all these friends you see. They work like lions, and in the end, the products created warm the entire world. It serves as a design center for the world. It becomes a communication hub for the world. In the end, both our hometown and Anatolian wisdom are spread worldwide."
"Our 2025 Goal is $279 Billion in Exports”
Mustafa Gültepe, President of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM), noted the importance of the fair for the sector, stating, “The carpet sector is one of our cherished sectors, and especially Gaziantep contributes 80-85% to this success with a significant Gaziantep model. Our carpet sector closed 2025 with a positive figure, around 3-4%. Together, we recorded $262 billion in exports in 2024 with a 2.5% increase. Hopefully, we will find the opportunity to reach our targeted figure of $279 billion for 2025.”
“The World’s Largest Carpet Fair is Now in Turkey”
Şekib Avdagiç, Chairman of the Board of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, drew attention to the importance of holding the fair in Istanbul, stating, “Thanks to the prudent behaviors of our two exporter unions and the leadership of our TİM President, the world's largest fair is now being held in Turkey.” Avdagiç added, “As the management of the Istanbul World Trade Center and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, we will do everything we can to help this beautiful fair develop further internationally. Hopefully, this year, as our esteemed president said, it will be a fruitful, prosperous, and healthy year for increasing our exports.”
The Pinnacle of Carpet and Flooring Technologies
The Carpet and Flooring Expo brings together everything related to the carpet world under one roof. A wide product range is on display, from handmade carpets and rugs to machine-made carpets, prayer rugs, and textile floor coverings. Due to the continuously increasing interest from visitors, three additional halls have been added to this year’s fair, which is organized in a total of 11 halls. With a record participation of 600 companies and company representations, including 145 foreign firms from 18 countries, this year's event has set a record.
Participating countries include Afghanistan, Germany, the United States, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, China, France, South Africa, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Nepal, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
In addition to product showcases, various events that will shape the future of the sector are also featured at the fair. Under Carpet Talks 2025, panels discussing sustainability, recycling, and eco-friendly production techniques will take place, along with presentations by professional designers and leading firms showcasing new trends that are expected to make a significant impact on the fair.
Anatolian Companies Meet the World
Looking back at last year's figures, the first fair held in December 2023 hosted a total of 400 companies, including 52 foreign firms from 13 countries, and welcomed 21,284 visitors from 103 countries.
This fair, which introduces the weaving techniques and culture of Anatolia to the world, plays a key role in increasing carpet exports, which amount to $2.8 billion. This year, it is expected that firms participating from Anatolia will introduce their innovative products to the international market.
Gathering the leaders, designers, and buyers of the sector, the Carpet and Flooring Expo is not merely a fair, but also serves as a starting point for innovations that transcend time. Professionals wishing to make a difference in the carpet and flooring sector can visit www.icfexpo.com for detailed information and invitations.