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Hormuz crisis: what does it mean for delivery times and Persian carpets?

10-10-2026 Benoît

Since the end of February 2026, the Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed to shipping. What began as a conflict surrounding oil is now affecting the entire global trade: higher freight rates, longer delivery times, and uncertain routes.

The rug market is noticing this as well. Persian carpets from Iran are barely reaching the market, and rugs from India, Nepal, and Turkey are also traveling to Europe via a vulnerable route. In this blog, we explain what is happening and what it means for you as a buyer.

What is happening around the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the open sea. Normally, one-fifth of global oil passes through it. Since February, that route has become a flashpoint.

When	What happened
February 28, 2026	Following American and Israeli attacks on Iran, Iran largely blocks the Strait of Hormuz. (Wikipedia)
April 13 – May 29	The US, in turn, blocks Iranian ports. (Wikipedia)
June 18	An interim agreement between the US and Iran; the strait was supposed to reopen. (CZ App)
July 8	The truce collapses after Iran attacks several merchant vessels. (Wikipedia)
September	Maersk introduces emergency rates for cargo affected by the crisis. (Container News)
October	Traffic through Hormuz has come to a near standstill again, and the conflict now extends to the Bab el-Mandeb, the southern entrance to the Red Sea. (Freightos via MTS)

In short: after a brief period of hope, the situation in the autumn is back to square one.

Consequences for shipping and transport costs

The crisis makes sea transport more expensive and less predictable. This is due to three factors.

More expensive fuel. Because less oil can pass through the Gulf, fuel costs for ships have risen. According to DHL, container rates will remain elevated for the rest of 2026 as a result. (Global Maritime Hub)
Surcharges. Shipping companies are charging extra fees for cargo affected by the conflict. Maersk, for example, is asking for an emergency surcharge of $3,000 per 40-foot container, with an additional $1,000 if a ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz. (Container News)
Uncertainty. Routes are being adjusted at the last minute, schedules are shifting, and empty containers are in the wrong place. This makes planning difficult, even for rug importers.

A nuance: container rates are still below the peak of the 2024 Red Sea crisis (eightx). At the beginning of October, rates even fell slightly, for the first time since April. But as long as fuel remains expensive, that keeps prices high. (Freightos via MTS)

Rugs from India, Nepal, and Pakistan are also affected

Most handmade rugs are not made in Iran, but in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. These rugs come to Europe by container ship. The shortest route runs via the Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.

That route has been under fire since late 2023 due to Houthi attacks in Yemen. In 2026, major shipping lines cautiously returned: Maersk, CMA CGM, and Wan Hai continued to sail through the Suez Canal, even after the Houthis announced a blockade against Saudi shipping. (The Loadstar)

Now that the conflict is also extending to the Bab el-Mandeb, that return is once again uncertain. If ships have to sail around the Cape of Good Hope again, the trip from Asia to Europe will take 10 to 14 days longer, with a significant price surcharge on the freight. (GoFreight)

Rugs from Turkey are less vulnerable. They reach Western Europe via the Mediterranean or over land.

Persian carpets: from export gem to scarce commodity

For the Persian carpet, the crisis comes on top of a long-term decline. In the early nineties, Iran earned more than $2 billion a year from the export of hand-knotted carpets. (Iran International)

After that, it went downhill:

2017: exports still amounted to over $400 million.
2018: the US reintroduced sanctions. This caused the largest buyer to disappear, accounting for more than 70% of Iranian carpet exports.
Year to March 2025: exports had fallen to $41.7 million, with Germany as the largest buyer. (Oman Observer / AFP)
May 2026: according to an industry leader from Fars province, exports have now dropped to virtually zero. (Iran International)

The war and the blockade of the ports now make it almost impossible to get new carpets from Iran to Europe. Payments to Iran have also been difficult for years.

What does this mean? The Persian carpets already in Europe are becoming increasingly special. There is hardly any new supply, while the demand for authentic, hand-knotted pieces remains. A good Persian carpet is therefore not just an interior piece, but also a piece of heritage that is becoming increasingly difficult to replace.

What does this mean for you as a buyer?

Count on longer delivery times for new orders. Rugs that still need to be produced or shipped may arrive weeks later than you are accustomed to. Especially with custom work, it is smart to order well in advance.
Prices may rise. Higher transport costs are on top of this year's rising wool prices. Also read our blog about why wool rugs are becoming more expensive.
Stock is worth gold. A rug that is already in the showroom is unaffected by the unrest at sea. You can see it in person, you know what you are getting, and you can take it home or have it delivered immediately.
A Persian carpet is an opportunity that is shrinking. Are you hesitating about an authentic Persian piece? The supply has all but dried up, so what is here now might not be here later.
Plan around the holidays. Do you want a new rug for Christmas or the New Year? Then choose from stock or order now.

How we are handling this

As a family business in Maastricht, we have a large stock of rugs in our showroom, from modern handmade rugs to classic oriental carpets. Those rugs are simply there: no waiting time, no surprises.

For custom orders, we work with you on the planning. We will be honest with you about a realistic delivery time so that you do not face any surprises. Customization is possible in any material: wool, Tencel, natural silk, mohair, and bamboo silk.

Are you looking for a Persian or oriental carpet? Stop by and see what we have. We would love to tell you the story behind every piece.

Frequently asked questions

What is going on in the Strait of Hormuz?
Since February 28, 2026, the strait has been largely blocked following American and Israeli attacks on Iran. A truce in June did not hold, and as of October, traffic is back to a near standstill.

Does the Hormuz crisis affect rugs?
Yes. The crisis makes shipping more expensive and less predictable. This leads to longer delivery times and higher transport costs, even for rugs from India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

Can you still buy Persian carpets from Iran?
New supply from Iran has virtually come to a standstill. You can still buy Persian carpets that are already in Europe from a specialist retailer.

Are Persian carpets increasing in value?
Due to the dried-up supply, authentic Persian carpets are becoming increasingly scarce. A well-maintained, hand-knotted Persian carpet is therefore harder to replace than it used to be.

How long does it take to have a custom rug made?
That depends on the type of rug and the production location. Due to the current situation at sea, it is wise to account for extra time. Always ask for an up-to-date delivery time.

What is the fastest way to get a new rug?
Choose a rug from stock. It will not be affected by delays at sea.