Top 4 Companies Leading the China Merino Wool Market

The China merino wool market size reached a value of about 22.56 KMT in 2024. It is expected to expand further at a CAGR of roughly 0.8% in the forecast period of 2025-2034. The market size will be around 24.14 KMT by 2034. As per the analysis by Expert Market Research, the market is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for sustainable fabrics.

Merino wool is made from Merino sheep using sustainable farming practices, majorly in Australia. Merino wool is referred to as a natural fibre that is grown throughout the year. Typically, Merino wool is less than 22 micron, making it a soft premium fibre.

As per China merino wool market analysis, Australia produces about 81% of the world’s superfine merino wool. The growing importance of sustainability in textile and fashion industries across China resulted by the increased awareness in environmental and social impacts of raw material sourcing and manufacturing is supporting the adoption of Merino wool.

Reportedly, China is the major customer of Australian merino wool from Australia, purchasing about 80% of all Australian wool for processing, with about 50% of that wool being bought at retail in China.

The government of China’s shift in economic policy (14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and textile industry strategy is a key factor driving the adoption of sustainable fashion and subsequently China merino wool market growth. The government of China aims to develop an economic system of green, low-carbon and circular development. China has set goals of peaking carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and also attaining carbon neutrality before 2060.

Table: Major Countries Exporting Wool to China: 2022

Latest Updates on Top China Merino Wool Companies:

In July 2024, IST Corporation, a pioneering Japanese company, has globally introduced a patented natural fiber, . IST PLATINUMWOOL™, an advanced evolution of Merino wool. Developed using cutting-edge technology, this innovation sets new benchmarks for quality and performance in luxury textiles.

In November 2023, DeFeet, the world's first manufacturer focused on sustainable, pro-level performance socks, has introduced the country's first Merino wool versions of its Woolie Boolie™ and Wooleator™ Pro socks, now featuring the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) logo on the packaging.

In April 2023, Smartwool, a maker of Merino wool apparel for active lifestyles, has launched its first circular sock, the Second Cut™ Hike Sock. Offering the same comfort and performance as the Original Classic Hike Sock, it is crafted from repurposed yarn collected through Smartwool's Second Cut™ sock takeback program, introduced in 2021.

In January 2023, Monte Rosa Sport (MRS), a subsidiary of Odlo, the Swiss-based performance apparel brand that also produces Merino wool, appointed Daniel Eppler, as the new CEO.

Top 4 Merino Wool Companies in China:

1. MERINOTEX

Based in China, the company is a professional merino wool manufacturer. The company majorly focuses on merino shoes, merino wool yarn, merino wool socks, merino wool fabric, and merino wool clothing such as merino base layer, merino wool thermals, merino underwear, etc. The company produces merino wool yarn in specifications of 90nm/2, 60nm/1, 80nm/2, 70nm/2, 48nm/2, 60nm/2, 40nm/1, 72nm/2, 32nm/2, 28nm/2 etc.

2. Jiangsu Unitex Co., Ltd

UNITEX is a manufacturer based in China, providing woven or knitted woollen fabric, 100% wool fabric, double face wool fabric, boiled wool, merino wool, melton, mohair or Alpaca fabric, Chanel tweed fabric, wool blanket, fancy woollen yarns, boucle yarns, celandic yarns, mohair yarns, etc. The company has an annual production capacity of about 2 million meters of woollen fabrics and about 2000 tons of fancy yarns.

3. Shanghai Solarwool Apparel Co.,Ltd

Shanghai Solarwool Apparel Co.,Ltd is engaged in the production and sales of wool machine washable fabrics, wool underwear, and wool outdoor sportswear. The company has the presence of production factory in Zhangjiagang City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, the wool production, and processing base. The factory floor area is of 5000 square meters with over 200 professional and technical personnel and production workers.

4. Zhangjiagang Shepherd Inc.

Zhangjiagang Shepherd Inc. is a garment manufacturer engaged in in the production of wool and cashmere products (including wool/cashmere/silk/Angola wool/mohair/camel/alpaca). The company’s annual export volume amounts to about USD 50 million. The major customers of the company are The North Face，Kari Traa, Bergans，Macpac，Fjallraven，Ullmax，Asnes，Bula， Johaug，B/Daehlie， Namuk, etc.