Falling to a series low
New Zealand Wool Production per Capita moved from 32,018 Gram in 2015 to 25,011 Gram in 2024 (−21.9%), an average of −2.7% a year. The series high was 32,505 Gram in 2016 and the low 25,011 Gram in 2024.
What New Zealand Wool Production per Capita shows
New Zealand Wool Production per Capita was 25,011 Gram in 2024, down 1.4% on 2023. New Zealand’s wool production per capita indicator measures domestic wool production relative to the country’s population, providing a population-adjusted view of agricultural output. Between 2015 and 2024, New Zealand recorded an overall declining trend in wool production per capita, with only a temporary increase at the beginning of the period.
A 23.1% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2024) is 7,493 Gram. The sharpest single-year move was −4.9% in 2023.
Ranks 1 of 19 countries covered
Among the 19 countries in this dataset, New Zealand ranks 1 for 2024. The global figure for 2024 is 207.8 Gram, so New Zealand is above it.
Full series
New Zealand Wool Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Gram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Gram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Trough | 25,011 | −1.4% |
| 2023 | 25,360 | −4.9% |
| 2022 | 26,665 | −4.1% |
| 2021 | 27,817 | −4% |
| 2020 | 28,972 | −1.8% |
| 2019 | 29,507 | −2.6% |
| 2018 | 30,294 | −3.2% |
| 2017 | 31,308 | −3.7% |
| 2016Peak | 32,505 | +1.5% |
| 2015 | 32,018 | — |
Regional context
How New Zealand compares across countries
Wool Production per Capita by country, 2024, Gram. New Zealand is highlighted.
1New Zealand25,011
2Uruguay6,794
3UK991.1
4Turkey963.4
5Argentina701.2
6South Africa677.3
7Saudi Arabia423
8Chile303
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Wool Production per Capita — Wool production per capita refers to the annual quantity of wool produced within a country divided by its population, providing a population-adjusted measure of wool production. The indicator is presented in Our World in Data as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of wool production per person across countries and years. The selected dataset covers the period from 2015 to 2024.
The data includes wool production and population figures used to calculate wool production per capita for individual countries. The indicator covers wool classified as an agricultural product and reflects domestic production relative to the population of each country. The dataset includes annual observations for the selected countries and period and can be used to compare population-adjusted wool output across different geographic regions.
The data excludes wool imports, exports, trade values, prices, revenues, and domestic consumption. It does not measure the value of wool production or distinguish between wool produced for different end uses. The indicator also does not directly measure sheep populations, wool yields per animal, processing activity, or downstream textile production. Differences in production per capita may reflect changes in wool output, population, or both.
About this indicator
Wool Production per Capita — Wool production per capita refers to the annual quantity of wool produced within a country divided by its population, providing a population-adjusted measure of wool production. The indicator is presented in Our World in Data as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of wool production per person across countries and years. The selected dataset covers the period from 2015 to 2024.
The indicator stood at 32.0 units per person in 2015 and increased to 32.5 in 2016, representing the highest reported level during the period. It then declined to 31.3 units per person in 2017 and 30.3 in 2018. The downward movement continued to 29.5 in 2019 and 29.0 in 2020. By 2021, production per capita had decreased further to 27.8 units per person.
The decline continued in the later years, with the indicator reaching 26.7 units per person in 2022, 25.4 in 2023, and 25.0 in 2024. From the 2016 peak of 32.5 to 25.0 in 2024, wool production per capita declined by approximately 23.1%. This indicates a substantial reduction in population-adjusted wool production over the reported period.
The data show that New Zealand experienced a consistent downward movement after the 2016 peak, without a significant recovery in subsequent years. The relatively steady annual reductions indicate a sustained weakening rather than sharp short-term volatility.
Wool production per capita provides a useful measure for assessing agricultural production while accounting for population size. New Zealand’s figures provide insight into changes in its wool production profile and support comparisons with other major wool-producing countries. Overall, the data indicate a clear decline in population-adjusted wool output between 2015 and 2024, with the final figure substantially below the level recorded at the beginning of the period.
- Indicator
- Wool Production per Capita
- Country
- New Zealand
- Region
- Oceania
- Unit
- Gram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is New Zealand Wool Production per Capita?
Wool production per capita refers to the annual quantity of wool produced within a country divided by its population, providing a population-adjusted measure of wool production. The indicator is presented in Our World in Data as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of wool production per person across countries and years. The selected dataset covers the period from 2015 to 2024.
What was New Zealand Wool Production per Capita in 2024?
New Zealand Wool Production per Capita was 25,011 Gram in 2024, down 1.4% on 2023.
How has New Zealand Wool Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
New Zealand Wool Production per Capita moved from 32,018 Gram in 2015 to 25,011 Gram in 2024 (−21.9%), an average of −2.7% a year. The series high was 32,505 Gram in 2016 and the low 25,011 Gram in 2024.
Which year had the highest and lowest New Zealand Wool Production per Capita?
The highest value was 32,505 Gram in 2016 and the lowest was 25,011 Gram in 2024.
What does the New Zealand Wool Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes wool production and population figures used to calculate wool production per capita for individual countries. The indicator covers wool classified as an agricultural product and reflects domestic production relative to the population of each country. The dataset includes annual observations for the selected countries and period and can be used to compare population-adjusted wool output across different geographic regions. Excluded: The data excludes wool imports, exports, trade values, prices, revenues, and domestic consumption. It does not measure the value of wool production or distinguish between wool produced for different end uses. The indicator also does not directly measure sheep populations, wool yields per animal, processing activity, or downstream textile production. Differences in production per capita may reflect changes in wool output, population, or both.
Where does the New Zealand Wool Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2024&Food=Wool&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Gram.
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