Australia is the world’s leading producer of wool, accounting for around 24% of global wool production, followed by China (15%), New Zealand (12%), former USSR republics (9%), and Argentina (4%). Australia is also the world’s leading wool exporter, accounting for two-thirds of the world’s wool exports.

The Australian sheep flock is overwhelming Merino (76%), with the remainder a mixture of crossbreds and other breeds.

Merino sheep produce finer wool than other breeds (normally ranging from 15 - 24 microns). Consequently, the vast majority of Australian wool is classified as fine apparel, suited to the manufacture of high-quality fashion apparel. Australia supplies 90% of the wool used in the global apparel market (< 19.5 microns).

Other major wool-producing countries (such as China or New Zealand) have a greater proportion of crossbred sheep than Merinos. This means they produce coarser wools which are suitable for interior applications such as carpets, upholstery and furnishings and not the fine apparel fashion market.

There are around 55,000 woolgrowers who pay wool levies spread right across Australia, committed to producing the world’s finest and highest quality wool.

Wool is produced in Australia under a range of environmental conditions, from the highlands of northern and southern New South Wales and Tasmania, to the pastoral zones of Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

Australian woolgrowers genuinely care for their sheep and the environment and are committed to doing what is best for their animals and their land.

For more information on Australian Merino wool – including the natural benefits of the fibre, and the process for converting it to woollen apparel, click here.