Cashmere thrives where consumer preferences meet a complex sourcing chain—from US and Europe buying patterns to China’s domestic consumption. The market’s demand is split across apparel and accessories, with luxury growth shaping how revenue is distributed. On the supply side, fiber originates mainly from China and Mongolia, where herd concentration and pasture conditions interact with water-intensive processing and sustainability certification.
Key Takeaways
- In 2022, USA consumers purchased 2.5 million cashmere sweaters, average spend USD 350 each.
- Europe cashmere demand grew 6.5% in 2023, led by Germany with 25% regional share.
- China domestic cashmere apparel consumption reached 1.2 billion garments in 2022.
- The global cashmere market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.1%.
- Cashmere apparel accounted for 55% of the market share in 2023, valued at USD 1.76 billion.
- China's cashmere market size reached USD 1.8 billion in 2022, driven by domestic luxury demand.
- In 2022, China produced approximately 70% of the world's cashmere fiber, totaling around 14,000 metric tons from over 120 million cashmere goats.
- Mongolia's cashmere production in 2023 was estimated at 2,500 metric tons, with an average fiber length of 36-40mm classified as premium grade.
- Inner Mongolia region in China yielded 8,500 tons of raw cashmere in 2021, representing 60% of China's total output from 90 million goats.
- Cashmere goat herding in Mongolia emits 1.2 tons CO2 per ton of fiber produced.
- Overgrazing in Inner Mongolia degraded 25% of cashmere pastures by 2022.
- Sustainable cashmere certification covered 15% of global production in 2023.
- Global cashmere trade volume was 18,000 tons in 2022, valued at USD 2.5 billion.
- China exported 12,000 tons of cashmere yarn and fabric in 2023, 65% to Europe.
- Mongolia cashmere exports to USA reached USD 120 million in 2022.
In 2023, cashmere demand and luxury growth accelerated worldwide, while sustainability and production impacts came into focus.
Related reading
01 · Category
Consumption And Demand Statistics22 stats
01
In 2022, USA consumers purchased 2.5 million cashmere sweaters, average spend USD 350 each.
02
Europe cashmere demand grew 6.5% in 2023, led by Germany with 25% regional share.
03
China domestic cashmere apparel consumption reached 1.2 billion garments in 2022.
04
Global cashmere scarf demand was 15 million units in 2023, 40% luxury segment.
05
Japan imported 450 tons of cashmere yarn in 2022 for high-end knitting.
06
Millennial demand for sustainable cashmere rose 30% in USA 2023 surveys.
07
South Korea cashmere sweater sales hit 1.8 million units in 2022, up 14%.
08
UK high-street cashmere blends demand grew 12% to 800,000 pieces in 2023.
09
India urban cashmere pashmina shawls sold 500,000 units in 2022 festive season.
10
Global cashmere blanket consumption was 2 million units in 2023, premium 55%.
11
Russia cashmere imports for coats reached 300 tons in 2022 winter.
12
Australia luxury cashmere demand surged 20% post-2022, 150,000 items sold.
13
65% of global cashmere consumers prefer certified traceable fiber in 2023 polls.
14
Canada cashmere accessories demand was CAD 120 million in 2022.
15
Middle East cashmere robe demand grew 18% to 200,000 units in 2023.
16
45% of luxury buyers in Europe chose cashmere over wool in 2022 surveys.
17
Brazil emerging cashmere market consumed 50 tons in 2023 imports.
18
Singapore cashmere retail sales reached SGD 80 million in 2022.
19
72% of Gen Z prefer blended cashmere for affordability in 2023 global survey.
20
Italy domestic cashmere knitwear demand was 1 million pieces in 2022.
21
UAE cashmere kaftan sales hit 100,000 units in 2023.
22
Global cashmere sock demand grew to 5 million pairs in 2023.
Interpretation
Consumption And Demand Statistics Interpretation
Cashmere consumption is clearly strengthening across key markets, from the USA buying 2.5 million sweaters in 2022 at an average USD 350 each to Europe’s 2023 demand rising 6.5% and China reaching 1.2 billion garments in 2022, with luxury scarf demand hitting 15 million units in 2023 and sustainable options boosting millennial demand by 30% in 2023 USA surveys.
02 · Category
Market And Economic Statistics26 stats
01
The global cashmere market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2022, projected to reach USD 5.1 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 6.1%.
02
Cashmere apparel accounted for 55% of the market share in 2023, valued at USD 1.76 billion.
03
China's cashmere market size reached USD 1.8 billion in 2022, driven by domestic luxury demand.
04
Luxury cashmere segment grew 8.2% in 2023, representing 40% of total market revenue.
05
Europe cashmere market was USD 850 million in 2022, with Italy holding 25% share.
06
Online sales of cashmere products surged 22% in 2023, comprising 35% of total sales.
07
USA cashmere import market valued at USD 450 million in 2022, up 12% YoY.
08
Sustainable cashmere market projected to grow at 9.5% CAGR to USD 1.2 billion by 2028.
09
Japan’s cashmere clothing market hit JPY 150 billion in 2023, premium segment dominant.
10
Average retail price of pure cashmere sweater was USD 450 in 2022, ranging USD 200-800.
11
Cashmere yarn prices averaged USD 120/kg in 2023, up 15% from 2022 due to shortages.
12
India’s cashmere blended fabrics market was INR 5,000 crore in 2022.
13
Global cashmere accessories market valued at USD 650 million in 2023, scarves 40% share.
14
South Korea luxury cashmere imports reached KRW 300 billion in 2022.
15
Cashmere home textiles segment grew to USD 280 million globally in 2023.
16
Mongolia cashmere export revenue was USD 250 million in 2022, 10% of GDP contribution.
17
Recycled cashmere market valued at USD 150 million in 2023, growing at 12% CAGR.
18
UK cashmere retail market was GBP 320 million in 2022, e-commerce 28%.
19
Raw cashmere fiber traded at USD 80-100/kg in 2023 Shanghai markets.
20
Asia-Pacific cashmere market dominated with 65% share, USD 2.08 billion in 2022.
21
Men's cashmere wear market grew 7.8% to USD 900 million in 2023.
22
Cashmere price index rose 18% in 2022 due to supply chain disruptions.
23
Australia cashmere processing industry generated AUD 50 million in 2023.
24
Global cashmere market CAGR forecasted at 5.8% from 2023-2030.
25
France cashmere luxury brands sales hit EUR 400 million in 2022.
26
Women's cashmere segment held 60% market share at USD 1.92 billion in 2023.
Interpretation
Market And Economic Statistics Interpretation
With the global cashmere market forecast to rise from USD 3.2 billion in 2022 to USD 5.1 billion by 2030 at a 6.1% CAGR, the Market and Economic Statistics picture is that growth is increasingly led by luxury demand and online channels, including online sales jumping 22% in 2023 to 35% of total sales.
03 · Category
Production Statistics30 stats
01
In 2022, China produced approximately 70% of the world's cashmere fiber, totaling around 14,000 metric tons from over 120 million cashmere goats.
02
Mongolia's cashmere production in 2023 was estimated at 2,500 metric tons, with an average fiber length of 36-40mm classified as premium grade.
03
Inner Mongolia region in China yielded 8,500 tons of raw cashmere in 2021, representing 60% of China's total output from 90 million goats.
04
Global cashmere goat population stood at 200 million in 2022, with 80% concentrated in China and Mongolia.
05
In 2023, Australian cashmere production from feral goats reached 150 tons, with fiber diameter averaging 15.5 microns.
06
Iran's cashmere output in 2022 was 300 tons from 1.2 million goats, primarily exported as dehaired fiber.
07
Scotland's cashmere farms produced 50 tons in 2022, focusing on organic certification with yields of 0.25kg per goat.
08
In 2021, Afghanistan's cashmere production hit 200 tons, with 40% lost to poor processing infrastructure.
09
New Zealand cashmere goat farms yielded 80 tons in 2023, with micron counts below 14.5 for ultra-fine fiber.
10
China's Gansu province contributed 2,200 tons of cashmere in 2022 from 15 million goats.
11
World cashmere production grew by 4.2% from 2021 to 2022, reaching 20,100 metric tons overall.
12
Mongolia's Alashan cashmere grade A production was 1,200 tons in 2023, with purity over 99%.
13
India's Ladakh region produced 120 tons of cashmere in 2022 from Changthangi goats averaging 0.4kg yield.
14
USA cashmere production from Texas ranches reached 40 tons in 2023, with 16-micron fiber.
15
Kyrgyzstan's cashmere output was 250 tons in 2022, mainly from wild goats in mountainous areas.
16
China's Ningxia Hui region yielded 1,800 tons in 2021, with advanced dehairing tech reducing waste by 15%.
17
Global fine cashmere under 15 microns production was 3,500 tons in 2022, mostly from Mongolia.
18
Pakistan's northern areas produced 90 tons in 2023, with fiber lengths averaging 32mm.
19
France's cashmere goat farms output 30 tons in 2022, certified organic with 0.3kg per animal yield.
20
China's Qinghai province contributed 1,500 tons in 2023 from 12 million goats.
21
Peru's alpaca-cashmere hybrid farms produced 20 tons in 2022, blending fibers for softness.
22
Russia's Altai region cashmere was 100 tons in 2021, with growing commercial herds.
23
China's Shaanxi province yielded 900 tons in 2022, focusing on white fiber varieties.
24
South Africa's Boer goat cashmere trials produced 15 tons in 2023, micron 16.2 average.
25
Tajikistan's cashmere output reached 180 tons in 2022 from 800,000 goats.
26
Italy's experimental cashmere farms yielded 25 tons in 2023, with EU organic standards.
27
China's Liaoning province produced 700 tons in 2021, emphasizing sustainable grazing.
28
Global colored cashmere production was 1,200 tons in 2022, 6% of total output.
29
Uzbekistan's cashmere from 500,000 goats was 140 tons in 2023.
30
Canada’s cashmere ranches output 35 tons in 2022, with 15.8 micron fiber.
Interpretation
Production Statistics Interpretation
Production statistics show that in 2022 China dominated cashmere fiber supply with about 70 percent of the world’s roughly 14,000 metric tons, while the combined global goat base of 200 million concentrated 80 percent in China and Mongolia underscores how production is heavily centralized.
More related reading
04 · Category
Sustainability And Environmental Statistics22 stats
01
Cashmere goat herding in Mongolia emits 1.2 tons CO2 per ton of fiber produced.
02
Overgrazing in Inner Mongolia degraded 25% of cashmere pastures by 2022.
03
Sustainable cashmere certification covered 15% of global production in 2023.
04
Water usage for cashmere processing averages 150 liters per kg of yarn.
05
Mongolia's cashmere industry uses 40% renewable energy in dehairing plants by 2023.
06
Chemical dye pollution from cashmere factories in China affected 10 rivers in 2022.
07
Organic cashmere farms reduced pesticide use by 90% compared to conventional.
08
Cashmere goat methane emissions contribute 0.8% to global livestock total.
09
Recycling rates for cashmere garments reached 25% in EU by 2023.
10
Desertification in Gobi region linked to 30% cashmere herd expansion since 2010.
11
Blockchain tracing implemented on 20% of Mongolian cashmere supply chain in 2023.
12
Energy for cashmere yarn spinning is 45 kWh per kg, 20% from renewables in Italy.
13
35% of cashmere goats in China vaccinated for sustainability health programs.
14
Microplastic shedding from cashmere washing averages 500,000 fibers per load.
15
Regenerative grazing restored 5 million hectares for cashmere in Mongolia by 2023.
16
Carbon footprint of premium cashmere sweater is 25 kg CO2e.
17
12% of cashmere production shifted to certified ethical farms in 2022.
18
Wastewater treatment in Ningxia cashmere plants covers 70% capacity in 2023.
19
Biodiversity loss in Alashan plateau due to cashmere herding affected 15 species.
20
Solar-powered dehairing machines adopted by 50 Mongolian cooperatives in 2023.
21
Cashmere fiber biodegradability is 95% within 6 months under composting.
22
Herd management apps reduced overgrazing by 22% in Australian cashmere farms.
Interpretation
Sustainability And Environmental Statistics Interpretation
Despite some progress such as renewable energy reaching 40% in Mongolia’s dehairing plants and certification covering 15% of global production, the sector still carries major environmental impacts, including 1.2 tons of CO2 per ton of fiber and 25% pasture degradation in Inner Mongolia by 2022.
05 · Category
Trade And Global Statistics21 stats
01
Global cashmere trade volume was 18,000 tons in 2022, valued at USD 2.5 billion.
02
China exported 12,000 tons of cashmere yarn and fabric in 2023, 65% to Europe.
03
Mongolia cashmere exports to USA reached USD 120 million in 2022.
04
Italy imported 2,500 tons of raw cashmere in 2023, mainly from China.
05
Hong Kong re-exported 4,000 tons cashmere products in 2022, hub for Asia.
06
USA cashmere imports totaled USD 650 million in 2023, 80% apparel.
07
EU cashmere tariff revenues were EUR 45 million in 2022 on Asian imports.
08
Japan imported 1,200 tons cashmere fiber in 2023 from Mongolia primarily.
09
Scotland exported GBP 150 million cashmere goods in 2022 to global markets.
10
South Korea cashmere imports from China hit USD 200 million in 2023.
11
Global cashmere top 10 importers accounted for 85% volume in 2022.
12
Turkey processed 800 tons imported cashmere for re-export in 2023.
13
Australia exported 100 tons cashmere yarn to Asia in 2022.
14
Free trade agreements boosted Mongolia-EU cashmere trade by 25% in 2023.
15
China-Mongolia cashmere trade volume was 3,000 tons in 2022.
16
UK imported 1,000 tons cashmere in 2023 post-Brexit adjustments.
17
Vietnam emerged as cashmere processor, handling 500 tons imports in 2022.
18
Global cashmere smuggling seizures totaled 200 tons valued USD 30 million in 2023.
19
India imported 400 tons raw cashmere for pashmina in 2022.
20
Switzerland re-exported 600 tons luxury cashmere in 2023.
21
Cashmere trade via Belt and Road Initiative grew 15% to USD 1 billion in 2022.
Interpretation
Trade And Global Statistics Interpretation
In Trade And Global Statistics, global cashmere trade reached 18,000 tons in 2022 worth USD 2.5 billion, with the flow heavily concentrated in key markets where the USA accounted for USD 650 million of imports in 2023, 80% of which was apparel.
Reference
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APA
Min-ji Park. (2026, February 13). Cashmere Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cashmere-industry-statistics
MLA
Min-ji Park. "Cashmere Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/cashmere-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Min-ji Park. 2026. "Cashmere Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/cashmere-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level