7 . Australia
5 . South Africa
6 . New Zealand
8 . Other wool growing countries |
Sheep are found in many countries |
across the world including China , |
India , the Middle East and many European |
countries . The type of wool varies |
primarily because of the type of sheep . |
Over the years sheep have adapted , |
and the wool is influenced by the cross |
breeding , the climate and the geography |
of the land .
7 . Australia
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Australia ’ s fine wool is shorn from the Merino breed of sheep and is the world ’ s finest sheep ’ s wool . It is a uniquely soft |
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fibre which looks beautiful and is used |
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extensively in the making of knitwear |
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and fine-quality cloth . There are approximately |
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70 million sheep in Australia , |
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which is the world ’ s leading producer of |
7 fine apparel wool , producing about 90 percent of the world ’ s supply of wool that is less than 19.5 microns .
THE WORLD
5 . South Africa
South Africa is the second largest fine wool producer in the world , after Australia . Different types of Merino sheep were developed for different regions in South Africa , and the country offers wool that varies from mid-micron wool — 25 micron — to the finest wool — 16 micron . The average micron of the clip is about 20.5 micron . South African Merino is regarded as soft and lustrous , well-known for being well-classed and of very even length . It is used in apparel , knitwear and interiors .
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6 . New Zealand
New Zealand is the world ’ s largest producer of strong , cross-bred wool from sheep breeds like the Romney . The wool is highly valued for its whiteness , uniformity and relative freedom from dark fibres . These qualities translate into carpets , interior textiles , bedding and apparel products . New Zealand Fine merino wool is used in a range of market segments from active outdoor wear to designer fashion .
T H E C A M P A I G N F O R W O O L | 23