WASHINGTON — Wool buyers from India were in the United States recently as part of a reverse trade mission organized by the American Sheep Industry Association. In the last 20 years, India has played an important role in the American wool export market. However, exports had waned during COVID, and ASI has worked to rejuvenate the country’s interest in American wool.

ASI helps identify customers around the world and informs them about American wool and its selling process. Understanding the needs of international customers helps to match potential suppliers.

The first stop on the tour was Groenewold Fur and Wool Company in Illinois. Keese International led the tour the next day in New Mexico. The group finished up in Texas looking at wool from all across the United States.

The wool buyers were escorted on the trip by ASI Wool Production Programs Manager Heather Pearce and ASI Wool Consultant Barry Savage. ASI uses funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service to support reverse trade missions and other projects that promote the use of American wool in processing hubs all around the world.

Wool buyers from Japan are scheduled to visit the United States this month, as well.

–American Sheep Industry Association