This month AWI examines some key data that reflect the global appetite for wool consumption, particularly from China, Australia’s largest customer. With the ongoing global pandemic, the economic position in many key wool consuming countries has been characterised as in a recovery mode but now the highest inflation figures for many years is raising concerns. The demand for woollen and worsted products historically... Read More

Wool Round Table 2022 –The annual Wool Round Table takes place 1-2 December this year in Nuremberg, Germany. Fingers crossed, we will gather live, in-person, for the first time since 2019. Working group meetings are planned for 30 November (IWTO Members only). Remote participation will be available throughout. Registration opens in October. In-Person IWTO Member Rates: Early Bird (until 4 November) €750 plus 19% ... Read More

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has launched a new international campaign highlighting wool’s environmental credentials. ‘Wear Wool, Not Fossil Fuel’ has been devised by AWI’s marketing arm — The Woolmark Company. AWI Chief Executive Officer John Roberts says it has a simple but powerful message. “It aims to show people the hidden impact of synthetic fibres on the environment and how choosing natural fibres such... Read More

The spring 2023 shows at New York Fashion Week  kicked off, and Manhattan’s fashion crowd jetted around town taking in the latest designer collections. Dotting the front rows are some favorite stars, who are taking notes of looks to wear for their next big movie premiere or stage performance. Unsurprisingly, what these stars sport in their VIP seats is often just as fashionable as what’s being shown on the catwal... Read More

A New Zealand wool product will be making its way into space later this month, as part of NASA’s mission to the moon. An Orion spacecraft will launch on an unmanned test flight on 30 August ahead of scheduled manned missions. On board for the ride will be Kiwi company Lanaco’s filters made from New Zealand sheep wool. Lanaco founder Nick Davenport said it was the same technology as in the company’s personal pr... Read More

What are the current trends in genetic evaluation and what might the industry be doing a generation from now? In this article, read about the prediction of AWI’s Geoff Lindon that genetic evaluation will provide many opportunities to keep the Merino a viable and profitable enterprise for farmers in the decades to come. The Balmoral Breeders Association requested that Geoff Lindon, AWI Program Manager Genetics and... Read More

The most conspicuous results at this week’s Australian wool auctions was the continuing decline in the super fine Merino types of 18.5 micron and finer. In perspective, by cheapening, those types are coming off historically high prices and relatively large price gaps compared to the broader types.  All other types and descriptions on offer, which was the majority of the auction volume, managed to either hold their l... Read More

Only the South Island was selling this week with 7,055 bales on offer.  The selection consisted of 25% crossbred fleece good style 35.0 to 38.0 micron, bulk 75/150mm, 11% crossbred fleece poorer style 35.0 to 37.0 micron, bulk 75/150mm, 10% crossbred hogget fleece, good style 31.0 to 34.0 micron, 15% crossbred/hogget second shear good colour 33.0 to 37.0 micron bulk 75mm, 10% halfbred fleece 24.0 to 27.0 micron, 7% ... Read More

After a week’s recess in wool auctions due to shipping backlogs, the 4th sale of the 2022/23 season took place on 14 September. The smaller offering of 6 204 bales consisted mainly of medium length wools, with 49,4% of the total merino wools on offer being certified as sustainable. The longer length wools experienced good competition, but the shorter length and mixed wools dragged the overall sales clearance d... Read More

A new rail freight route from Wuxi in China’s Jiangsu Province near to Shanghai on China’s east coast, through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan has begun operations, with more than 1,000 tons of goods. These included regionally manufactured household appliances and auto parts, with a total value of US$ 4.4 million in Uzbekistan, where the cargo is expected to be delivered within 20 days. The freight train will depart fro... Read More

The monthly comparisons of Total Lots, Bales and Weight tested for August 2022 compared with the same period last season are: +12.4%, +11.3% and +11.3% respectively. The progressive comparison of Total Lots, Bales and Weight tested for July 2022 to August 2022 compared with the same period last season are: +11.7%, +11.1% and +11.0% respectively. AWTA Ltd has tested 47.8 mkg (million kilograms) this season comp... Read More

Just as inflation ravages the big guns of U.S. apparel retail, awash in high inventory and deep discounts to lure shoppers back to stores, Japan’s Uniqlo is set for its best year ever in North America after a COVID-imposed revolution in its business model. Retailers from Gap (GPS.N) to Kohl’s (KSS.N) are warning of slumping profit margins as inflation-wary customers hold off on buying clothing. But the flagship b... Read More