Mohair

Production

South Africa’s production figures on mohair showed a downward trend from 5.4 million kg to 4.5 million kg during the period 1995/96 to 1999/2000. This downward trend in production was mild in comparison with those of Turkey (0,6 to 0,4 million kg), USA (4,8 to 1,2 million kg), Argentina (0,5 to 0,25 million kg) and Australia (0,4 to 0,25 million kg). South Africa’s share (including Lesotho) of the world production was 62%.

Production of mohair for the period 1995/96 to 1999/2000 (July to June) is as follows:

Prices

Owing to an improving demand for finer fibres world wide and the relative scarcity of these fibres, the average realisation of the South African clip improved quite substantially over the period under review, with fashion demand having played a significant role during some of the years, particularly during 1999/2000.

The present high profile of mohair in the fashion industry is expected to continue in the short term.

Average prices for mohair for the period 1995/96 to 1999/2000 are as follows:

Exports

Mohair is in essence an export commodity for South Africa. During 1997, the total mohair exports reached an unsatisfactory level of 3,5 million kg. However, thereafter the situation improved substantially to 7,5 million kg in 1999. This increase in exports during 1999 was to a large extent the result of exports of 2,4 million kg of mohair to the UK.

Exports figures for the period 1995 to 1999:

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