Wool Yarn Market

Wool Yarn Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide revenue from the sales of wool yarn is estimated at US$ 5.76 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to increase at a CAGR of 3.4% to reach US$ 8.05 billion by 2034-end.

The market for wool yarn is growing at a steady pace, benefiting from favorable market conditions as consumers seek clothing crafted from wool yarn. Woolen yarn, derived from carded wool, has qualities of softness, lightness, elasticity, and airiness, making it an excellent insulator and a preferred choice for knitting. Wool itself is a robust fiber, approximately seven times more durable than cotton, rendering it ideal for both outdoor garments and frequently worn apparel, thus driving its global sales.

Wool primarily originates from sheep, with Merino wool sourced from Merino sheep. Wool contains the protein keratin, which is identical to that found in human hair. This similarity imparts a fineness to wool that surpasses that of human hair, making it ideal for creating luxurious apparel. Wool yarn market growth during the forecast period is projected to be driven by increased supply and a focus on competitive pricing.

Key Market Growth Drivers

• Wool excels at providing insulation against temperature fluctuations. During winter, woolen garments form a layer of insulation around the body, effectively trapping heat and keeping the body warm. This drives increased sales of woolen yarn worldwide, especially during the colder months.
• Among the factors contributing to the desirability of woolen clothing are its inherent qualities: odor resistance, breathability, biodegradability, ease of cleaning, and UV protection. These attributes have generated substantial consumer interest, prompting a significant shift towards the utilization of wool yarn compared to other available options.
• Wool is a natural, antimicrobial material, making it an optimal choice for individuals working in demanding environments where susceptibility to microbial infections is high. Woolen yarn acts as a protective barrier against such microbes, enhancing the appeal of wool among consumers.
• Durability, resilience, and resistance to compression are additional attributes influencing the preference for wool among consumers. When purchasing clothing, consumers focus on durability, making woolen yarn a popular choice for those seeking garments that can withstand extended use.
• Woolen yarn finds application in the creation of various goods such as carpets, curtains, covers, and bedding. This is opening new market segments for suppliers to explore and contributing to the expansion of the wool yarn market.
• In Canada, where temperatures often drop significantly, demand for wool yarn is projected to rise at a 3.9% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

Report Attributes	Details
Wool Yarn Market Size (2024E)	US$ 5.76 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 8.05 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.4% CAGR
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.9% CAGR
China Market Value (2034F)	US$ 1.77 Billion
North America Market Share (2024E)	28.6%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	38.4%
Key Companies Profiled	Laxtons Limited; Suedwolle Group Italia; Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited; Suripi Textiles Pvt. Ltd.; Sharman Woolen Mills Ltd.; Jainson Hosiery Industries; Shanghai Kunlei Wool Textile Co.

Which Market Opportunities are Wool Yarn Suppliers Taking Advantage Of?

“Introduction of Crossbred Wool Yarn Replacing Conventional Production Standards”

End users in the textile sector are increasingly adopting high-quality wool, driving up competition with larger yields and more fashionable designs. The demand for wool yarn of superior quality and characteristics, such as low weight and comfort, continues to prompt both manufacturers and sheep farmers to enhance and strengthen their presence in the textile sector.

In wool yarn manufacturing, where purebred goods have traditionally set the standard for wool quality, producers are now challenging conventions by introducing crossbred wool yarn. Crossbreeding is reshaping the wool yarn landscape, opening up new possibilities in trans-seasonal fashion and expanding the range of applications. The growing potential for innovation underscores the significance of crossbred wool yarn in the textile sector, warranting comprehensive investigation.

“Rising Demand for Upholstery Materials in Home Décor and Use of Wool Yarn as Flooring Material”

Wool yarn plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of garments and textiles. It is often blended with other types of yarn to fulfill the increasing demand for a variety of clothing items including coats, socks, sweatshirts, and more. Merino wool, prized for its lightweight and heat-resistant properties, is widely used in textile production.

Growing demand among customers for enhancing the aesthetics of their homes has positively impacted the wool yarn industry. Wool yarn finds extensive usage in the production of curtains, carpets, and other upholstery materials, catering to this demand.

Wool yarn is a popular flooring material in both commercial and residential settings. The expansion of the women's wear segment is also contributing to the expansion of the wool yarn market size. The versatility of wool yarn across various applications is projected to drive market expansion in the coming years. The emergence of consumer markets in developing countries is forecasted to drive growth in raw material markets, such as the raw wool market for the textile sector.

Which Factors are Emerging as Hindrances to Demand Growth for Wool Yarn?

“Environmental Concerns Related to Wool Production”

Wool production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions compared to many other fabrics. Sheep farming, a key component of wool production, emits high volumes of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and also contributes to carbon-emitting deforestation.

These concerns have adversely affected market conditions, leading to a negative perception of wool products among customers. Key players in the industry have experienced substantial losses as a result of these issues, prompting them to diversify their product lines to maintain profitability and remain competitive in the market.

Country-wise Insights

Prominent business players have established their enterprises in developed countries such as the United States and Canada. They have also started to expand into the East Asian countries to expand their customer base and profit margins. The market for wool yarn in South Korea is forecasted to expand at a steady CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2034.

Why are Manufacturers of Wool Yarn Investing in the United States?

“Increasing Demand for Fashionable Apparel and Interior Upholstery”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.18 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.72 Billion

Due to shifting fashion trends in the United States and the growing popularity of athletics among young people, the demand for garments such as jackets and blazers is projected to rise significantly. This surge in demand is projected to significantly boost the growth of the market in the United States.

In addition, the increasing demand for interior upholstery is also contributing to the rise in demand for wool yarn. Wool yarn is extensively used in the manufacturing of carpets, curtains, and other interior furnishings in the nation, which is one of the key wool yarn market trends in the nation.

What is Drawing Wool Yarn Suppliers to China to Expand Their Business?

“Favorable Trade Policies and Focus on Production of High-quality Wool Yarn”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.2 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 1.77 Billion

Favorable trade regulations and the production of high-quality wool yarn are driving textile exports in China, thus contributing to the growth of the textile sector. This trend is projected to positively influence the wool yarn market in the country, given its widespread use in textile manufacturing. Government investments in enhancing textile production in response to the growing demand for wool yarn within the textile industry are fueling market expansion.

Category-wise Evaluation

Since the advent of wool, it has been used in a variety of applications from clothing to other house items such as curtains and carpets. Wool yarn’s beneficial qualities such as heat resistance are driving its use across various sectors worldwide. A few of the major applications include blankets and flooring. The blanket segment is projected to expand at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2024 to 2034.

What is Driving Increasing Use of Wool Yarn in Production of Upholstery Fabrics?

“Affordability and Softness of Yarn Driving Use in Upholstery Fabric Production”

Attribute	Upholstery Fabrics
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 1.81 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2.64 Billion

Upholstery fabrics are known for their softness, warmth, and ability to provide relaxation and alleviate stress. Upholstery fabrics occupy a significant wool yarn market share. Their soft texture offers coziness regardless of the season, making them preferred over leather alternatives in the market and resulting in increased sales worldwide each year.

Growth of the upholstery fabric segment is projected to be influenced by the increased affordability of yarn, thus enabling access to these products for a broader consumer base. Suppliers in the market have been steadily enhancing their upholstery production to leverage this demand and establish their dominance in the market.

Market Competition

In a moderately fragmented industry, such as wool yarn, dominant corporations and competitors account for a sizable portion of worldwide revenue, while developing players account for the remainder.

Given the significant increase in demand for worsted wool yarn, key players in the wool yarn market are investing heavily in this segment of the market via partnerships and acquisitions, particularly in Europe and East Asia, contributing to the increased production of insulation mineral wool and fiberglass yarn.

• For example, in October 2018, Indorama Ventures (IVL) signed a deal to buy Schoeller Group's worsted wool yarn business through its indirect subsidiary, Glanzstoff Management GmbH.

Key Segments of Wool Yarn Market Research

• By Yarn Type:

  • Worsted
  • Woolen

• By Wool Type:

  • Merino Wool
  • Peruvian Highland Wool
  • Teeswater Wool
  • Shetland Wool
  • Cashmere Wool

• By Application:

  • Apparel
    • Sports
    • Blazers
    • Jacketing
    • Others
  • Upholstery Fabrics
  • Blankets
  • Flooring
  • Others

• By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa