Which Country Is the Largest Wool Producer in the World? Check Top 10 Countries, Production Figures & India’s Rank

Wool is one of the most important natural fibres used in the global textile industry. It is widely used to manufacture winter clothing, blankets, carpets, shawls, and premium garments. Several countries have developed large sheep-rearing industries to meet domestic demand and supply international markets. However, wool production varies significantly across regions because of differences in climate, sheep breeds, farming practices, and textile requirements.

Which country produces the most wool in the world? Which nations dominate the global wool industry, and where does India stand in the production rankings? Here is a look at the leading wool-producing countries, their estimated output, and the difference between wool production and exports.

Which Country Is the Largest Wool Producer in the World?

China is the world’s largest wool producer, according to available 2024 production figures compiled from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAOSTAT) data. The country produced approximately 364,481 tonnes of greasy wool during the year.

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Australia ranked second, with approximately 281,000 tonnes, while New Zealand stood third with nearly 124,951 tonnes.

Greasy wool refers to raw wool after shearing, before washing and processing. Production figures can differ depending on the reporting year, data revisions and whether the figures refer to greasy wool or cleaned wool.

Top 10 Wool-Producing Countries in the World

The following ranking is based on available 2024 production figures compiled by Commodity Origins from FAOSTAT data.

Source: 2024 figures compiled by Commodity Origins. Values may include estimates or imputed data.

Why Does China Lead the World in Wool Production?

China’s large sheep population and extensive sheep-rearing regions contribute to its high wool output. Sheep farming is particularly important in areas such as Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang.

The country’s textile and garment manufacturing industries also create substantial demand for wool. Domestic production supplies part of this demand, while imports provide additional raw material for manufacturers.