HS Code:
Unimproved wool and other wool, not finer than 46s (HS Code: 510121), refers to raw wool that has not undergone significant processing or improvement and has a fiber fineness not exceeding 46s (a measure of wool quality based on the Bradford count system). This category typically includes coarser wool types used in applications such as carpets, blankets, and industrial textiles rather than fine apparel. It is a significant commodity in global trade, particularly for countries with strong sheep farming industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 300 million
25.0% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries to protect domestic industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like the EU-Australia FTA)
Rising demand for sustainable textiles
Increased interest in coarser wool for eco-friendly carpets and insulation materials, boosting trade volumes by 10% annually in key markets.
2021-2022
Shift towards finer wool alternatives
Slight decline in demand for coarser wool in apparel, pushing exporters to diversify into industrial applications.
2020-2022
Fluctuations in global sheep population
Climate change and land use changes have led to supply inconsistencies, affecting export stability in countries like Argentina.
2019-2022
Negotiations for the Australia-EU FTA have advanced, with potential tariff reductions on wool exports to the EU, a major market for coarse wool products.
October 2023
Expected to increase Australian wool exports by 15% over the next five years.
South Africa launched a program to certify wool as sustainably sourced, aligning with global environmental standards and appealing to eco-conscious buyers.
June 2023
Likely to enhance South Africa’s market share in Europe and North America.
Argentina increased export taxes on raw wool to encourage domestic processing, leading to a temporary decline in export volumes.
March 2023
Reduced competitiveness in international markets, with a projected 5% drop in trade volume for 2023.