Increasing cost of wool affect tartan prices

[figheadair]

I received this from a major weaving yesterday:

Wool prices have doubled over the last 5 years as demand outweighs supply. China is now importing 80% of Australian wool. In addition to this, droughts are diminishing supply and disease is grounding South African fleeces thereby forcing up prices. We are also faced with elevating dye and chemical costs to finish the fabric and deliver the performance standard required.

The new prices come into effect on 01 April and are valid for 6 months. No surprises, it's been common knowledge in the trade for some time but I would expect that this will be reflected in the future pricing by all manufacturers.

[Arnot]

I received this as well. Their last increase wasn't all that long ago.

[Tobus]

Was there any indication of how much the prices will rise? 5%? 25%?

*edited to add: I know they said that wool prices have doubled, but it wasn't clear if this meant the actual price of tartan cloth would double, or if some of that increase had already been worked into pricing structures.

[Jock Scot]

I bet farmers won't see much of that price increase!

[Me cousin Jack]

I’m wondering if the price of colored spooled wool is going up, or if it’s just the finish product, tartan.

[Tobus]

On this subject, what are the current thoughts on the viability of reviving wool production in the Highlands? As I recall, the wool for modern tartans comes from faraway places like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, etc., since it just wasn't a competitive industry in the Highlands. Someone remind me, didn't it lose out to game hunting on the big estates, or some such? Or was there some issue with the breeds of sheep used today, that they don't thrive in Scotland?

If indeed wool prices are going to skyrocket, would it make sheep farming an economically attractive industry to blossom once again in Scotland? Or is it still small potatoes compared to what they are getting for other uses of the land?

[Pleater]

Over my years as a producer of garments I have seen the luxury end fibres fade away - cashmere on cone is only a fond memory, but gradually all the fibres have vanished away from the UK market - the Italian lambswool I used to use for my basic stock is just not available, and now it seems that plain wool is going the same way.

The price has been going up for some years - I now go and rummage in the loft to find yarn rather than think about buying in new stock.

Fortunately I have enough of a stash to see me out.

[kingandrew]

Ann's point is interesting. I find it odd that the good old fashioned Shetland wool sweaters that were the standard a few decades ago are basically impossible to find now, while the formerly pricier lambswool is sometimes available. But I see Merino and Cashmere sweaters offered everywhere, often at what seem much lower prices than I remember from my younger days.

And cotton sweaters have gone from an oddity to a commodity.

I don't really understand it.

Another thing I've noticed is that the V-neck used to dip much lower on my chest than the new ones do. My old ones showed a couple of buttons on the front of my shirt, if I was wearing a bow tie (or no tie). Today's V-necks barely clear the collar of my shirt.

They are warmer, but seem to defeat the purpose the V-neck was developed to serve.

Andrew

[Michael A]

I ws given to understand that Australian and New Zealand Merino wool was finer (due to both genetics and comparitivey poorer nutrition) than most varieties found in the UK.

I wonder if on April 12th the UK regains full sovereignty on WTO terms and if a more advantageous trade deal with (what are in fact old friends and family) in Australia and NZ can be struck and what impact that would hhave on wool prices in Scotland. I have been told by someone here in Australia that the woork for a trade deal has been done and could be signed by the end of May in the event of Brexit on WTO terms.

I am visiting Edinburgh for a week in August. Who knows if I will be visiting the EU or not by then!