Bamboo rugs

	This handknotted silk carpet from Henan Yilong boasts 300 lines per square foot.

China makers sustain buyer interest by offering myriad designs in knotted, tufted and needlefelt constructions.

Suppliers of carpets and rugs in China are increasing efforts to stay buoyant amid mounting economic turmoil. Since floor coverings are more of a luxury than a necessity, keeping the line vigorous despite buyers’ belt-tightening measures is a challenge.

To stir demand, companies are beefing up design capability. Using mainly computer software to plot weave patterns, makers are able to release several dozen models monthly. Some large manufacturers can even launch up to 1,000 styles per year.

A high level of craftsmanship is likewise emphasized. Local artisans in the northwestern part of China are contracted to perform handknotting. These specialists from Henan and Qinghai provinces, and the administrative regions of Tibet and Xinjiang Uyghur, boast solid weaving techniques passed down through generations.

To ensure quality, top-grade wool sourced from Xining city in Qinghai is the chief material used. A number of suppliers also purchase the textile in New Zealand, where it may cost up to two times more than the local version. Silk is procured in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.

Generally, China carpets and rugs are yarn-dyed using chemical pigment. Printing is done only on a few models.

A variety of woven, knotted, tufted and needlefelt models are exported from China. Makers, however, tend to concentrate on one or two types.

ISO 9001-certified Huade Yongjia Carpet Co. Ltd produces mainly Wilton and Axminster designs, both of which are woven varieties. The former has a velvetlike surface constructed from looped or cut piles. The latter is done by handknotting wool. Models normally have a density of 4.5 to 8 pounds per square foot. All output carries the in-house Huade brand.

The company boasts strong manufacturing capability. Its factory is equipped with 46 tufting machines, 17 Wilton and 10 Axminster looms, and three post-treatment lines.

Needlefelt releases constitute the majority of Joy Carpets Co. Ltd’s output. A number of wool items feature partial silk knots for a stronger 3-D effect.

Production at Northern International Holding Tianjin Silk Co. Ltd is devoted to handmade knotted wool and tufted cotton carpets. Machine-processed designs are exported as a secondary line.

Henan Yilong Carpet Co. Ltd focuses on knotted models in wool or silk. Rayon releases and flat-woven Aubusson styles are available as well.

China’s carpet and rug exports are made up mainly of OEM and ODM orders. The bulk of shipments go to the US, Japan and Germany.

Prices increased by 10 percent in the past 12 months due to rising fabric and labor costs, and the yuan’s appreciation. Quotes, however, are predicted to remain stable through the first half of 2009 if the exchange rate will not change sharply.