Exports of non-skimmed wool to India rose by 126% year-on-year to 3.7 million kg. India is the fifth largest importer of wool in South Africa. Italy is the second largest importer of wool in South Africa. Italy has reduced imports of non-skimmed and washed wool. Imports of non-skimmed wool have fallen by 27% year-on-year, imports of washed wool have fallen by 24%, and Italy imported wool from South Africa. Significant growth.
Exports of non-skimmed wool to the Czech Republic, the third-largest importing country, increased by 5%, and exports of tops rose by 89%. Germany was the fourth-largest importer of South African wool, and exports of non-skimmed wools to Germany decreased slightly by 2%. Exports of tops fell by 26%, and exports of washed wools dropped by 4%.
According to the value calculation, China’s market share rose to 30% in the total FOB value of South African wool, which is an increase of 2% from the previous season. Total exports to India rose by 173% to 176 million rand, which accounted for 11% of South Africa's total exports.
Exports to other countries in the African region are basically negligible. Exports of tops to Japan remained basically unchanged, reaching 63,623 kg. Washed wool exports fell by 53% to 5,586 kg. Washed wool exports to China's Taiwan region reached 4,519 kilograms.
South African wool exports to China and India rise
Export statistics for the 2007-08 season for Cape Wool show that wool exports to China and India have grown steadily year-on-year. China is still the largest importer of South African wool. In the 2007-08 season, China’s imports of non-skimmed wool from South Africa increased by 27% year-on-year to 14 million kg. The total import value reached 489 million rand.