NZ Promotes Premium Strong Wool at China’s Leading Global Wool Conference

Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is travelling to China this week to represent New Zealand at the 36th Nanjing Wool Market Conference, the country’s premier wool industry event. His mission: to highlight the innovation, sustainability, and premium quality of New Zealand strong wool while strengthening trade and industry ties with China.

Strengthening Trade with New Zealand’s Largest Wool Market

China is New Zealand’s single largest destination for wool exports. For the year ending 30 June 2025, the country purchased $176 million worth of New Zealand wool, out of a total export value of $446 million.

“The Chinese market remains essential to our wool sector, and the Nanjing conference is a unique opportunity to showcase what sets New Zealand wool apart,” Minister Patterson said.

The Nanjing Wool Market Conference is the longest-running and most influential wool industry gathering in China, attracting global market leaders, buyers, and industry representatives.

Promoting Premium Strong Wool

Patterson emphasised that New Zealand has a compelling story to tell, centred on:

• Innovation – with new uses for wool in textiles, interiors, and sustainable materials.

• Sustainability – highlighting wool as a renewable, biodegradable fibre.

• Integrity and quality – ensuring New Zealand wool meets the highest international standards.

“New Zealand is well placed to meet rising consumer demand in China for sustainable and premium products. This conference provides the platform to foster cooperation and advance opportunities for both our wool sectors,” Patterson said.

Government Backing for the Wool Industry

The Minister stressed that the coalition Government is committed to revitalising New Zealand’s wool sector and ensuring more value flows back to farmers, processors, and manufacturers. Key initiatives include:

• Reopening the world’s largest wool processing facility in Napier, following a $50 million rebuild—a major step forward for the domestic industry.

• Driving policy changes that saw Kāinga Ora commit to using wool carpets in all new state homes, creating a guaranteed demand pipeline for Kiwi wool.

“These steps show our determination to not only grow exports but also strengthen domestic demand for New Zealand wool,” Patterson noted.

Building Global Partnerships

In addition to the conference, Patterson will meet with New Zealand wool businesses operating in China, reinforcing ties with existing partners and exploring new opportunities. His visit aims to strengthen industry relationships, boost confidence in New Zealand’s wool sector, and support exporters in a competitive global market.

“Attending this global event is a valuable opportunity to champion New Zealand wool on the world stage, while deepening our cooperation with China’s wool industry,” Patterson said.

Visit Itinerary

Minister Patterson will spend 17–21 September in Shanghai and Nanjing, engaging with industry leaders, trade experts, and government representatives. The trip underscores the importance of New Zealand’s relationship with China in ensuring the long-term success of the wool sector.