Wool accounts for only a small percentage of the world fibre market, but its importance in value terms is far greater. It is perceived as a high quality fibre which commands premium prices. For textile producers, garment makers and retailers, wool provides an opportunity to achieve higher added value.

The report looks at factors which affect wool demand, consumption and production, and provides forecasts of wool prices and data on trends in consumer purchases of carpets and apparel in Western Europe, Japan and the USA. As a natural fibre, wool is in demand from consumers who are concerned about environmental issues. But how competitive is wool compared with man-made fibre substitutes?