Uruguay : Raw & semi-processed wool exports up

The twelve months finishing June 2007 saw a strong rise in Uruguayan raw and semi-processed wool exports compared to the year earlier.
The two main contributing factors in the hefty rise in wool exports are: on the supply side, the whole Uruguayan economy, including the agriculture performed very well in 2006.
As well, a positive trend was recorded in sheep numbers, mainly due to the favorable climatic conditions which enabled above average rate of lambing. Good climatic conditions contributed to the improved quality of Uruguayan clip in terms of length, strength and colour.
On the demand side, there was a rising interest from international buyers of mid-micron wool which fills a gap in supply of mid-micron range wool on the world market due to diminishing production of wool in Australia. The profile of Uruguayan wool fills well into this gap.
The biggest buyer of Uruguayan wool in 2006/07 was China, followed by Italy, Germany, Turkey and India. The majority of Urguguay's wool clip is Corriedale wool of 25 to 32 microns, which is used extensively in hand-knitting yarn and heavy coats and other other wear.