Wool facts
Facts and figures about Australia’s wool industry, including wool production and export levels.
Australian Wool Production
Did you know...
- Australia is the world’s largest producer of wool.
- In 2005/2006 there were 107 million sheep shorn in Australia producing 461 million kg of greasy wool.
- Production for 2006/2007 is forecasted to be 425 million kg of greasy wool with production still impacted by the drought.
- The Australian flock of 100 million sheep is composed of 88% Merino, 9% crossbred and 3% other breeds as at 1 January 2007.
- Sheep graze over 85 m ha of Australia's total land mass. This means on average each sheep has 0.85 ha or 2 acres.
Australian wool production 2005/2006 461 million kg greasy
Australian Wool Fibre
Did you know...
- There has been a significant change in the fibre diameter (micron) profile of the Australian clip. In 1993/1994 only 8.5% of the total clip was 19 micron or finer. Twelve years later (2005/2006), 31% was 19 micron or finer. In 2006/2007 it is predicted this proportion will reach 36%.
- Wool fibres are mostly made of protein with a small amount of fat, calcium and sodium.
- As it grows from the sheep’s skin, wool naturally groups into staples which each contain many thousands of fibres.
- After shearing, wool is classed into five main categories: fleece, pieces, bellies, crutchings and locks.
- The most important characteristics of wool in determining its greasy value are fibre diameter, staple strength, staple length, vegetable matter, colour and yield.
Micron profile
Australian Wool Exports
Did you know...
- Australia is the world’s largest producer of wool, producing 27% of the world’s greasy wool in 2005/2006.
- While Australia produces more wool than any other country, China has the largest sheep population.
- Wool exports were valued at $2.64 billion in 2005/2006.
Wool Textiles
Did you know...
- In 2006, wool accounted for 1.9% of total world fibre use.
- Australian wool is primarily utilised in production of knitwear (27% of our clip), and men's and women's wovens (60%).
- Young adults, who dominate global discretionary apparel expenditure, are influenced more by price and performance rather than the textile fibre used.
- Worsted fabrics are made with longer fibres that produce a surface that’s smooth to touch. Woollens are made with shorter fibres that stand up from the surface and give the fabric a hairy touch.
- Wool is natural, biodegradable, naturally flame resistant and able to absorb up to one-third of its own weight in water.
Top ten wool producing countries 2004/2005
Top ten sheep populations 2004
Top ten wool export destinations 2004/2005
Sources: The Woolmark Company, AWTA Ltd, Australian Wool Industries Secretariat, Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee, ABARE.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this publication is general information only and readers should confirm information from an appropriate and relevant authority before making business or commercial decisions based on this information. Australian Wool Innovation Limited will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by a reader arising from the reader’s reliance upon the contents of this publication.
Related links