Last week a delegation from WoolProducers Australia (WoolProducers), the peak organisation representing Australian wool growers, travelled to Ho Chi Minh City to launch the roadmap for early-stage wool processing in Vietnam in conjunction with attendance at the Saigon Tex 2024 textile exhibition. This marks a significant milestone in the economic collaboration between the two countries, especially for the textile industry.
As part of a government funded Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation grant (ATMAC) “Ensuring a sustainable future for Australia’s wool supply chain”, WoolProducers explored options to diversify Australian wool exports, which are currently concentrated in greasy (unprocessed) wool to a limited number of markets. Four countries (China, India, Italy, and the Czech Republic) currently account for over 95% of all Australian wool exports. Vietnam, as an emerging hub for textile production and is considered a potential key partner for trade diversification for direct trade of both greasy and scoured Australian wool.
In collaboration with the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Deloitte Access Economics, the roadmap was officially launched at a function in Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of 12th April with over 50 industry leaders and government officials in attendance.
WoolProducers General Manager, Adam Dawes said, “Australia is renowned for its high-quality wool, particularly Merino wool. Vietnamese textile manufacturers are increasingly recognising the value of incorporating wool into their products, with domestic wool spinning capacity expected to exceed 20,000 metric tonnes in the next 12 months”.
The Vietnam roadmap sets out clear steps to establish direct trade of greasy and scoured Australian wool to Vietnam. Consultations throughout the project found that downstream supply chain partners including spinners, knitters, weavers, and garment manufacturers have a mutual desire to expand their supply chains to mitigate their procurement risks. To expand Vietnam’s role in the global wool supply chain, a pathway is defined with short-, medium-, and long-term goals, from developing the first at-scale top-making facility, to scaling production to build a thriving industrial presence.
In addition to the ATMAC project, WoolProducers has partnered with Australian Industry Hub Vietnam (AusHub), a project of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Through this project the Australian wool industry has benefited from the presence of Wool Industry Representative, Mr Kelvin Le, to assist with the ATMAC project and the development of in-country industry contacts to pursue the ATMAC recommendations.
“AusHub has identified complementary supply chain partners for Australian wool market expansion. Given Vietnam’s exciting textile trade, predicted growth and rapid expansion in wool processing capacity there are significant benefits to both sides in relation to Australian wool” said Mr Le.
“This strategic partnership holds promise for both sides. Australian wool producers gain access to a new and expanding market, while Vietnamese manufacturers elevate their product offerings with premium wool,” Mr Dawes said.
“The global wool supply chain is one of the most complex Agri-supply chains in the world. The roadmap sets out clear responsibilities for both industry and government on both sides to integrate wool as a core part of the Vietnamese textile sector. Given the importance placed upon expanding trade to the Southeast Asia region we look forward to ongoing commitment from all parties to progress the recommendations of the roadmap and associated Action Plan “ Mr Dawes emphasised.
ENDS
Photos available on request
WoolProducers Australia contacts:
Jo Hall Adam Dawes
CEO General Manager
0488 554 811 0455 442 776
About WoolProducers’ Australia
WoolProducers plays a critical role in working closely with companies and entities funded by woolgrower funds including compulsory levies or fees for service. Its mission is to develop constructive and profitable outcomes for woolgrowers nationally.
The agency is responsible for appointing a director to each of the Australian Wool Exchange and the Australia Wool Testing Authority, promoting good corporate governance and ensuring that the interests of growers are met.
WoolProducers maintains a working relationship with Australian Wool Innovation as the voice of woolgrower shareholders. It aims to contribute to AWI’s programs for the benefit of growers, promoting responsible use of levy funds and ensuring good corporate governance.
WoolProducers is the sole wool industry member of Animal Health Australia, and as such, carries a significant responsibility for decision making on behalf of the industry in the event of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
As the only wool grower organisation with membership of the National Farmers’ Federation, WoolProducers is responsible for providing key policy advice on behalf of our members, and other wool growers, to Australia’s peak farm body.
WoolProducers also works closely with the Federal Government Departments on key issues such as animal health and welfare, biosecurity, pest management control, natural resource management, drought preparedness, emergency animal disease outbreak preparedness and industry development, including research, trade and logistics.