For April 2007, China's wool imports from the top three suppliers all increased, with the volume of imports from Australia up by less year-on-year than those from New Zealand and Uruguay.

Imports from all other countries grew rapidly year-on-year, although from a relatively low base. To some degree this reflects a reaction to the rapid rise in greasy wool prices in China's traditional major suppliers.

Imports from New Zealand, the second largest wool supplier to China, finally recovered from continuous declines since September 2006.

During the month of April, greasy wool imports into China continued to increase their share of the market. Total wool imports in April reached a record level of 27.5 mkg clean, up by 23.4% compared to April 2006.

For total greasy wool imports in April, a very high proportion were imported from Australia. Notably, greasy wool imports from New Zealand increased dramatically from a month earlier level.

By comparison, scoured wool reported a decline on levels a month earlier, but lifted strongly compared to April 2006. Both carbonized wool and top reported considerable declines compared to month earlier level as well as to the same period a year earlier.
 
Australian Wool Innovation Limited