In the United States

In 2008, the average price paid for wool sold in the United States was 99 cents per pound for a total value of $32.5 million. 443 million head of sheep were shorn in 2008. The average fleece weight was 7.5 pounds.

The average price for wool grease was 1.90 cents per pound. ($4.18/kg)

Globally

Wool is a freely traded international commodity, subject to global supply and demand. While wool represents only 3% of world fiber production, it is important to many country's economies and way of life. Australia dominates the world wool market. The United States accounts for less than 1 percent of the world's wool production and is a net importer of wool. The top states for wool production are Texas, California, and Wyoming.

World Production of Wool, 2004

Country
Million pounds
Number of Sheep
Australia
1,153
 
China
825
 
New Zealand
481
45 million
Eastern Europe
430
 
Argentina
174
 
Mongolia 150 estimated 20 million
Turkey
119
 
United Kingdom
108
 
South Africa
101
 
Uraguay
82
 
United States
46
 
World total
4,731
 


Value of the wool industry to Mongolian economy is about $148.5 million USD
If recovered, the wool grease, at 20% by weight, could yield 30 million pounds or $57 million added to Mongolia's GNP

   
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