Falling demand for New Zealand wool worries WSI (New Zealand)

The diminishing demand for New Zealand wool, especially wool meant for making carpets, has become a cause of concern for New Zealand Wool Services International (WSI).

 

The company has lowered its profit outlook for the current year from its earlier forecast on account of the declining prices and demand.

 

WSI attributed the slowdown in demand for wool to recession in Europe, strong New Zealand dollar, and sluggish growth in China, the biggest market for New Zealand wool.

 

Besides foreign markets, the demand for New Zealand wool has declined by about 60 percent during the past year in the Australasian market.

 

Attributing the fall in demand for wool in New Zealand and Australia to lack of marketing, WSI has urged the International Campaign for Wool to increase its attention on the domestic market and on New Zealand wool.