Wool Industry Network Discussion Document

Wool Industry Network Discussion Document

 The Wool Industry Network was established nine months ago to help revitalise New Zealand’s $1 billion wool industry. It is funded by Meat and Wool New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

 Wool is New Zealand’s ninth largest export earner earning just under $1 billion per annum.

 There are three categories of wool, all of which are defined by thickness – fine, mid-micron and strong.

 Strong wool accounts for 89% of New Zealand wool production, fine wool 5% and mid-micron 6%.

 Fine wool is used predominantly in apparel, mid-micron is used predominantly in interior textiles and strong wool is used for flooring – carpets and rugs.

 Approximately 90% of all wool grown in New Zealand is exported.

 New Zealand is the largest producer of strong wool providing 30% of the world supply.

 Ten years ago the average price for New Zealand strong wool was 40% greater than today’s prices. The exchange rate was at similar levels.

 The Network has prepared a discussion document identifying why strong wool in particular is not realising its export potential and proposed solutions to that problem. It is seeking feedback from the wool sector on the document.

 The Network will be meeting with growers, industry groups and other interested parties over the next four weeks. Submissions close on May 4th.

 The discussion document and response form are available on the Network’s website www.woolnetworknz.co.nz .

ENDS

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