Global wool production is about 2 million tonnes (2.2 million short tons) per year, of which 60% goes into apparel. Wool comprises ca 3% of the global textile market, but its value is higher owing to dyeing and other modifications of the material.[1] Australia is a leading producer of wool which is mostly from Merino sheep but has been eclipsed by China in terms of total weight.[31] New Zealand (2016) is the third-largest producer of wool, and the largest producer of crossbred wool. Breeds such as Lincoln, Romney, Drysdale, and Elliotdale produce coarser fibers, and wool from these sheep is usually used for making carpets.
In the United States, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado have large commercial sheep flocks and their mainstay is the Rambouillet (or French Merino). Also, a thriving home-flock contingent of small-scale farmers raise small hobby flocks of specialty sheep for the hand-spinning market. These small-scale farmers offer a wide selection of fleece. Global woolclip (total amount of wool shorn) 2020[32]
- China: 19% of global wool-clip (334 million kilograms [740 million pounds] greasy, 2020)
- Australia: 16%
- New Zealand: 8%
- Turkey: 4%
- United Kingdom: 4%
- Morocco: 3%
- Iran: 3%
- Russia: 3%
- South Africa: 3%
- India: 3%
Organic wool has gained in popularity. This wool is limited in supply and much of it comes from New Zealand and Australia.[33] Organic wool has become easier to find in clothing and other products, but these products often carry a higher price.
Wool is environmentally preferable (as compared to petroleum-based nylon or polypropylene) as a material for carpets, as well, in particular when combined with a natural binding and the use of formaldehyde-free glues.
Animal rights groups have noted issues with the production of wool, such as mulesing.
