Chinese delegates visit British Wool industry

Representatives from the Chinese wool textile industry ahead of their study visit to the UK
Representatives from the Chinese wool textile industry ahead of their study visit to the UK

A delegation of Chinese wool industry representatives are currently in the UK visiting a number of key aspects of the UK wool supply chain hosted by British Wool Marketing Board (BWMB).

The delegates, who come from a wide range of Chinese textile organisations are in the UK to gain a greater understanding of the wool industry as a result of the significant increase in the volume of UK wool exported to China in recent years, says BWMB chief executive officer Ian Hartley.

“With exports of British Wool to China now accounting for about 30% of auction sales it is important for the Chinese industry to learn more about British Wool. We are, therefore, pleased to host this study visit, organised by the Nanjing Wool Market, to look at the wool supply chain from farm to auction here in the UK.”

Mr Hartley added that the visit would include time spent on the farms of Bedwyr Jones, BWMB North Wales Board Member in Snowdonia and Malcolm Corbett, former BWMB Chairman in Northumberland with visits also to the Wool Testing Authority (Europe) laboratory and BWMB’s headquarters and auction venue at Bradford.

Delegate Wu, Yan Wen, the vice secretary of the China Wool Textile Association said the visit was an ideal opportunity to investigate the possibilities of working more closely with BWMB and others in the UK to help China’s carpet manufacturers build brand awareness. “British wool is widely used in China to produce good quality carpets and this trip will be beneficial to all involved in the wool industry in China and the UK.”

Meanwhile, Zhou Ge of the JiangYin Hen Hao Wool Textile Co said he was looking forward to visiting farms to gain a greater understanding of farm management in the UK. “I am also interested in the grading, packing and testing processes. I am keen to understand as much as possible about the varying British wool types.”

Mr Hartley added that the diversity of wool types available in the UK meant there was a wide range of uses for UK wool in China and it was important to demonstrate the stringent quality control measures in place in the UK. “Our Chinese customers are important to the success of the UK wool trade and this visit is a great opportunity to engage with them.”