China Wool Products 2026: Supply-Demand Analysis and Investment Assessment

Summary

China's wool output reached 187,000 tonnes in 2023, while apparent consumption stood at 523,000 tonnes, with imports covering 60 percent of demand.

Commentary

The supply-demand gap in China's wool market continues to widen, with imports accounting for 60 percent in 2023. For New Zealand exporters, this presents both stable demand and the challenge of differentiated competition. New Zealand is the world's largest coarse wool supplier, primarily used in carpets and blankets, while China's fine wool imports come mainly from Australia.

New Zealand SMEs should note the steadily rising demand in China for flame-retardant and durable wool fibres in interior decoration and automotive interiors – precisely where New Zealand crossbred wool has an edge. Meanwhile, under pressure from high-yield domestic cotton and synthetic fibre substitution, Chinese wool processors are seeking quality semi-fine wool for premium blends, opening a niche market for New Zealand medium-micron wool. With the zero-tariff arrangement under the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand exporters can strengthen stable supplies of carpet wool and industrial felt to China, and explore partnerships with Chinese brands to develop bio-based wool products, in line with the trend towards sustainable consumption.

Keywords: wool products, supply side, wool output, apparent consumption, imports, fine wool, supply-demand structure

Summary in Chinese | 摘要

中国2023年羊毛产量18.7万吨，表观消费量52.3万吨，进口占比60%。

Commentary in Chinese | 评论

中国羊毛市场供需缺口持续扩大，2023年进口占比达60%，对新西兰出口商而言，既是稳定需求，也是差异化竞争挑战。新西兰是全球最大的粗支羊毛供应国，主要用于地毯和毛毯，而中国进口的细羊毛多来自澳大利亚。新西兰中小企业应注意到，中国室内装饰和汽车内饰领域对阻燃、耐用羊毛纤维的需求稳步上升，这恰是新西兰杂交毛的优势所在。

同时，国内高产植棉和合成纤维替代压力下，中国羊毛加工企业正寻求优质半细毛用于高端混纺，为新西兰中等细度羊毛打开了细分市场。凭借中新自贸区零关税安排，新西兰出口商可强化对华地毯毛和工业用呢的稳定供应，并探索与国内品牌合作开发生物基羊毛制品，以适应可持续消费趋势。

关键词: 羊毛制品, 供给端, 羊毛产量, 表观消费量, 进口, 细羊毛, 供需结构

Source: Everyone's Library