Product intelligence · HS 510521 · 2024 data

Wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments

Global exports of wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments totalled $15,906,234 in 2024, a -38.9% change from the previous year. Traded by 67 countries across 383 bilateral corridors, with demand from 76 importing markets. The long-term trend is declining.

Data: OECD BIMTS · Coverage: 19952024 · Updated: 2026-07-17

Global trade

$15.9M

-38.9% YoY

3Y / 5Y CAGR

-8.7%

5Y: -13.6%

Supply structure

Concentrated

HHI 0.275

Volatility

Low

Score 22/100

1.

Market movement

In 2024, wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments trade exhibited significant decline, with global flows reaching $15,906,234 and a three-year compound annual growth rate of -8.7% (five-year: -13.6%). The all-time peak of $83,406,056 was recorded in 1995; the current level is 81% below that high-water mark.

Over the 30-year observation window (19952024), 38% of years recorded positive growth, indicating significant cyclicality with frequent contractions. Trend momentum is steady (-1.6% acceleration).

The World Trade Flows Characterization classifies wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments as "One-way trade" in the medium price range price segment, providing additional context for market positioning and competitive dynamics.

2.

Supply & demand structure

The supply side is concentrated (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index 0.275). The three largest exporters — China ($8.2M), Australia ($8.2M), and Italy ($4.1M) — collectively dominate supply flows. The leading exporter has grown at +6.9% over the last three years.

On the demand side, importer concentration is diversified (HHI 0.094). The three largest import markets are United Kingdom ($3.1M), Italy ($2.8M), and Lithuania ($1.3M). The largest importing market sources from 12 different supplying countries.

Estimated substitution elasticity: -31.73. Buyers are highly price-sensitive and can switch between suppliers relatively easily.

The dominant trade corridor is China → United Kingdom at $2.3M, representing 73.3% of the importer's total demand.

3.

Risk profile & trade outlook

The volatility score for wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments is 22 out of 100, classified as low. Trade flows are relatively stable compared to other HS6 products, suggesting mature supply chains and predictable demand.

For market entrants, contracting demand signals caution before committing resources. The concentrated supply structure suggests high barriers but also potential opportunity if dominant suppliers face disruption or capacity constraints.

Data confidence is rated "High" based on reporting coverage and consistency across OECD member and partner countries.

Historical evidence

Annual trade value 19952024

Peak: $83,406,056 in 1995. Currently 81% below peak.

YearGlobal trade (USD)YoY growth
2015$25,443,643-22.8%
2016$20,796,328-18.3%
2017$23,327,839+12.2%
2018$36,084,004+54.7%
2019$33,094,787-8.3%
2020$18,007,668-45.6%
2021$20,879,683+15.9%
2022$27,256,918+30.5%
2023$26,042,727-4.5%
2024$15,906,234-38.9%

Top exporting countries

Ranked by export value of wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments in 2024.

View all 67 exporters →

Top importing markets

Largest import destinations for wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments.

View all 76 markets →

Leading trade corridors

Largest bilateral export flows for wool: wool tops and other combed wool, in fragments, ranked by value. Click any country to view its full profile.

#ExporterImporterValue 20243Y CAGR
1ChinaUnited Kingdom$2.3M-7.2%
2AustraliaMauritius$1.7M-2.8%
3ChinaItaly$1.4M+11.8%
4AustraliaWXD$1.0M
5ItalyLithuania$966.8K-17.2%
6ChinaMauritius$878.9K+27.2%
7RussiaIran$873.8K
8EgyptChina$851.9K

Showing top 8 of 10 corridors with available data for 2024.

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Sources, definitions & methodology

Data source

OECD Bilateral International Merchandise Trade Statistics (BIMTS). Aggregated from 312M+ reported trade records across 200+ countries and 5,300+ HS6 product codes. Coverage: 19952024.

Key indicators

HHI (Herfindahl-Hirschman Index): market concentration, 0 = fully diversified, 1 = single player. CAGR: compound annual growth rate over a stated period. Volatility score: trade value variability, 0–100 scale.

How this page is made

All statistical content on this page is data-driven, composed programmatically from live OECD trade records. No generic AI-generated prose is used. Analytical paragraphs combine real data points with factual interpretation. This page was last refreshed on 2026-07-17.