China Customs Bureau figures show imports of raw and semi-processed wool during September dropped, compared to the same period the previous year.
Of the key wool products imported (greasy, scoured, top and carbonised wool) carbonised wool recorded the largest percentage decline during the month, although it was from a low base. Scoured wool was the only segment to report a year-on-year increase, while imports of greasy wool and wool top also dropped.
By contrast to the result for the month of September, imports for the nine month period ending in September increased to the highest level seen over the past decade.
The drop in imports from Australia reflects Australian export shipments during the month of August which also noted a decline. According to the Australian exports report in August, wool exports showed the usual seasonal slump due to the 2-week break in sales during the second half of July.
However, this is likely to be short-lived following the improvement in Australian wool exports reported for September.
Like Australia, imports from New Zealand also declined, year-on-year, with a fall in greasy wool imports the main contributor. In contrast to Australia, exports of wool top lifted strongly.
Wool from Uruguay recorded triple digit year-on-year growth in September, including wool top, greasy and scoured wools.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
