China is one of the largest producers of wool, accounting for around 20 per cent of global production. But it is also the biggest importer of wool fiber as low labour costs have led the country to become the world’s leading wool processor.
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A worker gathers up imported sheep’s wool after it was processed and bleached at a factory near Zhangzhou. China is the major market for Australian wool, with more than 75 per cent of Ausralia's wool clip output exported to China for processing. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
A worker stands next to machinery used to clean and bleach sheep’s wool imported from Australia at a factory near Zhangzhou. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
About half of China's wool imports from Australia are processed and re-exported to Europe, America and Japan. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
About half of China's wool imports from Australia are processed and re-exported to Europe, America and Japan. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
A worker gathers up imported sheep’s wool after it was processed and bleached at a factory near Zhangzhou. China is the major market for Australian wool, with more than 75 per cent of Ausralia's wool clip output exported to China for processing. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
Above, large bags of sheep’s wool imported from Australia before being processed and bleached at a factory near Zhangzhou. Many of the leading Chinese textile companies use large quantities of Australian Merino wool in their production. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
Workers sort sheep’s wool before it is processed and bleached at a factory near Zhangzhou, China. The facility prepares wool to be used in the manufacturing of footwear and clothing for export to western markets and for consumption within China. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
Workers sort sheep’s wool before it is processed and bleached at a factory near Zhangzhou, China. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
About half of China's wool imports from Australia are processed and re-exported to Europe, America and Japan. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
Workers sort sheep’s wool before it is processed and bleached. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images -
A worker uses a machine to bag sheep’s wool imported from Australia after it was processed and bleached. Kevin Frayer / Getty Images
In pictures: From sheep to shore, processing imported wool in China
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