Wool Global Market Report 2025

Wool is the soft undercoat of hairy mammals, primarily obtained by shearing fleece from sheep and other animals. It is used for making winter accessories, garments, and blankets.

The main types of wool are categorized as fine wool (less than 25 µ), medium wool (25 to 35 µ), and coarse wool (greater than 35 µ). Fine wool, derived from Merino sheep, is known for its exceptionally small diameter and softness, making it highly valued for producing high-quality textiles and knitting yarns. Sources of fine wool include Merino wool, Peruvian Highland wool, Teeswater wool, Shetland wool, Cashmere wool, and others. These types of wool find applications in various industries, including apparel and interior textiles.

The wool market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides wool market statistics, including wool industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a wool market share, detailed wool market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the wool industry. This wool market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The wool market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $10.71 billion in 2024 to $11.61 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to textile industry demand, fashion trends and luxury apparel, warmth and insulation properties, tradition and cultural significance, natural and sustainable fiber trend.

The wool market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $16.3 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising awareness of sustainable fashion, innovation in wool blends, outdoor and activewear trends, global economic growth, cultural revival and heritage promotion. Major trends in the forecast period include emphasis on circular economy practices in the wool industry, focus on luxury and high-end wool products, incorporation of wool in sustainable home textiles, adoption of technology in wool farming, introduction of biodegradable and compostable wool products.

The anticipated surge in retail sales of clothing is poised to drive the growth of the wool market in the coming times. Clothing retail involves the acquisition of apparel from manufacturers for subsequent sale to consumers. Wool, a widely used fabric in clothing production, stands to benefit from increased customer purchases of woolen garments, thereby escalating the demand for this material. The heightened demand for woolen clothing has the potential to catalyze amplified wool production and sales. Moreover, retail sales specifically focused on woolen clothes play a pivotal role in raising awareness and visibility of wool as a material, further augmenting the demand for various woolen items. The increasing urbanization trend has significantly contributed to the heightened demand for retail clothing sales. For instance, statistics published by the United States Census Bureau in January 2023 revealed significant growth in clothing and clothing accessory retail sales. In June 2022, these sales reached $26.00 billion, marking a substantial 34.11% increase. Hence, the burgeoning growth in retail sales of clothing stands as a key driver behind the expansion of the wool market. As consumer interest in woolen clothing continues to rise, it is expected to spur the demand for wool and its incorporation into various clothing items.

The growing sheep population is expected to drive the expansion of the wool market in the future. Sheep are domesticated ruminant mammals that belong to the genus Ovis. An increase in sheep can lead to higher wool production, economic growth, rural development, and the ability to meet the rising demand for wool in various industries, including textiles, apparel, and home furnishings. This also provides a renewable resource that can be harvested without harming the animals. For example, in 2023, the International Wool Textile Organization, a Belgium-based international organization representing the global wool textile industry, reported that the global sheep population reached 1.285 billion which is 1.266 billion in 2021, marking a new record. Thus, the increasing number of sheep is contributing to the growth of the wool market.

Product innovations are becoming a significant trend in the wool market. Key companies in this sector are concentrating on developing innovative solutions to enhance their market position. For example, in September 2024, Filippa K, a Sweden-based womenswear brand, introduced the first wool garments featuring next-generation QR codes that offer traceability information from the sheep farm to the finished product. This initiative is part of The Fiber Traceability Initiative, a collaboration between Axfoundation, GS1 Sweden, and VirtualRouteZ, aimed at establishing a sustainable and transparent wool value chain.

Major companies in the wool market are innovating new products, such as advanced digital sourcing platforms, to secure a competitive advantage. A digital sourcing platform is an online, technology-driven marketplace that simplifies the process of sourcing and procuring goods and services. For instance, in June 2024, The Schneider Group, a France-based company specializing in digital automation and energy management, launched Authentico, a brand aimed at establishing a fully traceable wool supply chain. This initiative connects wool growers directly with the entire supply chain, ensuring transparency and ethical practices from the farm to the finished product. Authentico emphasizes high-quality wool and sustainability, reflecting Schneider Group's dedication to responsible sourcing. This product employs digital tools to guarantee traceability and ethical practices throughout the supply chain, similar to how digital sourcing platforms enhance connectivity, innovation, and efficiency in procurement and supply chain management. These platforms offer improved data access, predictive analytics, and streamlined operations, aligning with Authentico's objectives of transparency and sustainability.

In July 2022, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a Thailand-based chemical firm, successfully acquired the wool-spinning operations of Tollegno 1900 S.p.A. in Italy and Poland for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is strategically aligned with IVL's integrated business platform and is expected to make a significant contribution to the company's wool business within the fibers sector. Furthermore, it will enable Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL) to expand its presence in the worsted yarn market in Europe and enhance its global reach for wool products through trading companies in America and Asia. Tollegno 1900 is an Italy-based textile company renowned for manufacturing yarns and textiles from wool, cashmere, and technical fibers for the high-end fashion and home furnishings markets.

Major companies operating in the wool market include Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, Loro Piana S.P.A., Xinao Textiles Inc., Marzotto Group, Sudwolle Group GmbH, Merinotex, National Spinning Co Inc., Pendleton Woolen Mills, Icebreaker, Carolina Mills Inc., Botto Giuseppe SpA, Abraham Moon & Sons Ltd., James Johnston & Company of Elgin Limited, Todd & Duncan Ltd., Kentwool Co, Schoeller GmbH & CoKG, Bower Roebuck & Co Ltd., Jiangsu Unitex Co Ltd., Harris Tweed Hebrides, Amtex Yarn Manufacturing Inc., Brown Sheep Company Inc., Europa Wools Ltd., Tahki Stacy Charles Inc., Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia S.p.A., The Woolmark Company, Laxtons Limited, Blue Sky Fibers Inc., Fox Brothers & Co Ltd., Zhangjiagang Shepherd Inc., Mallalieus Ltd., Filatura Di Grignasco Spa, FRATELLI PIACENZA S.P.A.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the wool market in 2024. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global wool market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the wool market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the wool market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The wool market consists of sales of woolen yarns, woolen clothes, woolen accessories, hard crafts items, quilts, and carpets. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

Wool Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.

This report focuses on wool market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.

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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for wool ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The wool market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.

The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.

• The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
• The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
• The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:

The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
• The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
• The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
• The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.

Scope

• Markets Covered:1) By Type: Fine Wool (<= 25 µ); Medium Wool (25 to 35 μ); Coarse Wool (>= 35 µ)
• 2) By Source: Merino Wool; Peruvian Highland Wool; Teeswater Wool; Shetland Wool; Cashmere Wool; Other Sources
• 3) By Application: Apparels; Interior Textiles
• Subsegments:
• 1) By Fine Wool (<= 25 µ): Merino Wool; Superfine Wool; Cashmere
• 2) By Medium Wool (25 to 35 µ): Medium Merino Wool; Corriedale Wool; Dorset Wool
• 3) By Coarse Wool (>= 35 µ): Crossbred Wool; Coarse Shetland Wool; Longwool Breeds
• Companies Mentioned: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited; Loro Piana S.P.A.; Xinao Textiles Inc.; Marzotto Group; Sudwolle Group GmbH
• Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
• Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
• Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
• Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
• Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
• Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
• Delivery format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.