GITNUXREPORT 2026

Mongolia Cashmere Industry Statistics

Mongolia's cashmere industry is thriving and vital to its economy and rural communities.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Cashmere sector contributed 12% to Mongolia's total exports in 2022, USD 700 million

Statistic 2

350,000 rural jobs supported by cashmere industry, 25% of rural employment in 2021

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GDP share from cashmere rose to 11.5% in 2022 from 8% in 2015

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Average herder income from cashmere USD 1,200/year in 2023, 60% of total income

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Foreign direct investment in cashmere processing USD 150 million since 2018

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Tax revenue from cashmere exports USD 50 million in 2022

Statistic 7

Value-added processing increased industry revenue by 30% to USD 800 million in 2023

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15% poverty reduction in herding communities attributed to cashmere in 2019-2022

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Cashmere supports 1.5 million Mongolians indirectly through supply chain

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Industry R&D investment USD 20 million in 2022 for breed improvement

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Export taxes on raw cashmere generated USD 40 million revenue in 2021

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Women's cooperatives earned USD 30 million from cashmere in 2023

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Infrastructure spending USD 100 million on roads for cashmere transport 2018-2022

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Multiplier effect of cashmere economy estimated at 2.5x direct output

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20,000 urban jobs in processing and trade from cashmere in 2022

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Cashmere remittances to herders USD 200 million annually

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Mongolia exported 70% of its 2022 cashmere production as raw fiber

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In 2022, China imported 3,500 tons of Mongolian raw cashmere valued at USD 450 million

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Mongolian cashmere exports to Italy reached 450 tons in 2021, up 18% from 2020

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Total cashmere export value from Mongolia hit USD 650 million in 2022, 10% of GDP

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South Korea imported 300 tons of Mongolian yarn in 2023, primarily for apparel

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EU countries accounted for 15% of Mongolia's cashmere exports in 2021, valued at USD 80 million

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Japan purchased 250 tons of Mongolian dehaired cashmere in 2022 at avg USD 45/kg

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Hong Kong re-exported 1,200 tons of Mongolian cashmere in 2021

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Export price of Mongolian raw cashmere averaged USD 28/kg in Q4 2022

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USA imported 150 tons of Mongolian cashmere products in 2022, growth of 25%

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Belgium served as gateway for 200 tons of Mongolian cashmere to Europe in 2023

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Cashmere export volume to China dropped 10% in 2020 due to COVID, to 3,200 tons

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Scotland imported 100 tons for blending in 2022

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Digital traceability implemented for 40% of 2023 exports, 2,000 tons certified

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Mongolia's goat population for cashmere hit 30 million in 2023, up 5% YoY

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1.1 million households own cashmere goats, 40% of total households in 2022

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Average herd size per herder is 250 goats, with 70% cashmere breeds

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Winter mortality rate for cashmere goats dropped to 8% in 2022 from 15% in 2015

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Nomadic herders move 4-6 times/year for optimal grazing for cashmere goats

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Breeding programs introduced 50,000 improved goats in 2021-2023

Statistic 37

Feed supplementation for goats increased yield by 20% in pilot provinces

Statistic 38

Disease vaccination covered 85% of cashmere goats in 2022

Statistic 39

Climate change reduced pasture quality by 25%, affecting 10 million goats

Statistic 40

Youth herders under 35 manage 30% of cashmere flocks in 2023

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Cashmere goat genetics show 92% purity in Mongolian breeds

Statistic 42

Herder training programs reached 50,000 participants since 2019

Statistic 43

Water access improved for 60% of herding camps via solar pumps

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Global cashmere market valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2022, Mongolia 60% supply

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Luxury brands like Loro Piana source 40% cashmere from Mongolia

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Retail price of Mongolian cashmere sweater averages USD 500 in Europe

Statistic 47

Demand for traceable cashmere grew 35% in 2022 to 1,000 tons certified

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China consumes 70% of world cashmere, half from Mongolia

Statistic 49

Sustainable cashmere standards adopted by 20 Mongolian factories in 2023

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E-commerce sales of cashmere up 50% post-COVID to USD 500 million

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Fiber length of premium Mongolian cashmere 36-40mm

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Counterfeit cashmere market USD 1 billion, impacting Mongolia exports

Statistic 53

Organic cashmere segment grew 25% to USD 200 million globally

Statistic 54

White cashmere dominates 85% of Mongolian production for dyeing

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Brand collaborations boosted Mongolian cashmere visibility 40% in fashion weeks

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In 2022, Mongolia produced 5,200 metric tons of raw cashmere fiber from approximately 28 million cashmere goats

Statistic 57

The average annual cashmere yield per goat in Mongolia reached 150-200 grams in 2023, up from 120 grams in 2010 due to improved breeding

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Mongolia's cashmere processing capacity expanded to 8,000 tons per year by 2021 with new facilities in Ulaanbaatar

Statistic 59

In 2020, 65% of Mongolia's cashmere production came from the Gobi-Altai province, the largest producing region

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Goat population for cashmere in Mongolia grew by 12% to 29.5 million heads in 2022

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Primary cashmere combing season in Mongolia spans May to August, yielding 90% of annual production

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Mongolia's dehaired cashmere output was 3,800 tons in 2021, with 95% purity standards met

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Average fiber diameter of Mongolian cashmere is 14.5-15.5 microns, finer than Australian variants

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In 2019, 1.2 million rural herders contributed to cashmere production, harvesting manually

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Cashmere grease content in raw Mongolian fiber averages 25-30%, aiding natural lubrication

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Production costs per kg of raw cashmere in Mongolia were USD 12-15 in 2022

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Mongolia's cashmere cooperatives processed 2,500 tons in 2023, a 20% increase YoY

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Khuvsgul province produced 800 tons of cashmere in 2022, second to Gobi-Altai

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Female goats yield 80% of total cashmere fiber in Mongolia, averaging 180g each

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Drought in 2021 reduced cashmere yield by 15% to 4,900 tons nationally

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Mechanical dehairing introduced in 10 factories increased efficiency to 70% recovery rate

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With millions of goats dotting the vast steppe and billions in global trade flowing from their coats, Mongolia's cashmere industry weaves together ancient herding traditions and modern economic ambition.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, Mongolia produced 5,200 metric tons of raw cashmere fiber from approximately 28 million cashmere goats
The average annual cashmere yield per goat in Mongolia reached 150-200 grams in 2023, up from 120 grams in 2010 due to improved breeding
Mongolia's cashmere processing capacity expanded to 8,000 tons per year by 2021 with new facilities in Ulaanbaatar
Mongolia exported 70% of its 2022 cashmere production as raw fiber
In 2022, China imported 3,500 tons of Mongolian raw cashmere valued at USD 450 million
Mongolian cashmere exports to Italy reached 450 tons in 2021, up 18% from 2020
Cashmere sector contributed 12% to Mongolia's total exports in 2022, USD 700 million
350,000 rural jobs supported by cashmere industry, 25% of rural employment in 2021
GDP share from cashmere rose to 11.5% in 2022 from 8% in 2015
Mongolia's goat population for cashmere hit 30 million in 2023, up 5% YoY
1.1 million households own cashmere goats, 40% of total households in 2022
Average herd size per herder is 250 goats, with 70% cashmere breeds
Global cashmere market valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2022, Mongolia 60% supply
Luxury brands like Loro Piana source 40% cashmere from Mongolia
Retail price of Mongolian cashmere sweater averages USD 500 in Europe

Mongolia's cashmere industry is thriving and vital to its economy and rural communities.

Economics

Cashmere sector contributed 12% to Mongolia's total exports in 2022, USD 700 million
350,000 rural jobs supported by cashmere industry, 25% of rural employment in 2021
GDP share from cashmere rose to 11.5% in 2022 from 8% in 2015
Average herder income from cashmere USD 1,200/year in 2023, 60% of total income
Foreign direct investment in cashmere processing USD 150 million since 2018
Tax revenue from cashmere exports USD 50 million in 2022
Value-added processing increased industry revenue by 30% to USD 800 million in 2023
15% poverty reduction in herding communities attributed to cashmere in 2019-2022
Cashmere supports 1.5 million Mongolians indirectly through supply chain
Industry R&D investment USD 20 million in 2022 for breed improvement
Export taxes on raw cashmere generated USD 40 million revenue in 2021
Women's cooperatives earned USD 30 million from cashmere in 2023
Infrastructure spending USD 100 million on roads for cashmere transport 2018-2022
Multiplier effect of cashmere economy estimated at 2.5x direct output
20,000 urban jobs in processing and trade from cashmere in 2022
Cashmere remittances to herders USD 200 million annually

Economics Interpretation

Mongolia’s cashmere industry has woven itself so deeply into the national fabric that it now not only clothes the world but also stitches together the rural economy, props up government budgets, and proves that a country can literally knit its way to greater prosperity.

Exports

Mongolia exported 70% of its 2022 cashmere production as raw fiber
In 2022, China imported 3,500 tons of Mongolian raw cashmere valued at USD 450 million
Mongolian cashmere exports to Italy reached 450 tons in 2021, up 18% from 2020
Total cashmere export value from Mongolia hit USD 650 million in 2022, 10% of GDP
South Korea imported 300 tons of Mongolian yarn in 2023, primarily for apparel
EU countries accounted for 15% of Mongolia's cashmere exports in 2021, valued at USD 80 million
Japan purchased 250 tons of Mongolian dehaired cashmere in 2022 at avg USD 45/kg
Hong Kong re-exported 1,200 tons of Mongolian cashmere in 2021
Export price of Mongolian raw cashmere averaged USD 28/kg in Q4 2022
USA imported 150 tons of Mongolian cashmere products in 2022, growth of 25%
Belgium served as gateway for 200 tons of Mongolian cashmere to Europe in 2023
Cashmere export volume to China dropped 10% in 2020 due to COVID, to 3,200 tons
Scotland imported 100 tons for blending in 2022
Digital traceability implemented for 40% of 2023 exports, 2,000 tons certified

Exports Interpretation

Mongolia has woven its economic fabric from the finest threads, sending over two-thirds of its precious raw cashmere abroad to be spun into gold by others, while meticulously knitting together a global tapestry of high-value buyers from Italy to Japan, yet still leaving billions on the table by not fully capturing the finished product's luxury premium.

Herding

Mongolia's goat population for cashmere hit 30 million in 2023, up 5% YoY
1.1 million households own cashmere goats, 40% of total households in 2022
Average herd size per herder is 250 goats, with 70% cashmere breeds
Winter mortality rate for cashmere goats dropped to 8% in 2022 from 15% in 2015
Nomadic herders move 4-6 times/year for optimal grazing for cashmere goats
Breeding programs introduced 50,000 improved goats in 2021-2023
Feed supplementation for goats increased yield by 20% in pilot provinces
Disease vaccination covered 85% of cashmere goats in 2022
Climate change reduced pasture quality by 25%, affecting 10 million goats
Youth herders under 35 manage 30% of cashmere flocks in 2023
Cashmere goat genetics show 92% purity in Mongolian breeds
Herder training programs reached 50,000 participants since 2019
Water access improved for 60% of herding camps via solar pumps

Herding Interpretation

While Mongolia's cashmere industry is deftly improving its odds with better goats, smarter herders, and even solar pumps, it's in a relentless race against a climate change clock that is steadily degrading the very pastures its thirty million goats depend on.

Market

Global cashmere market valued at USD 3.5 billion in 2022, Mongolia 60% supply
Luxury brands like Loro Piana source 40% cashmere from Mongolia
Retail price of Mongolian cashmere sweater averages USD 500 in Europe
Demand for traceable cashmere grew 35% in 2022 to 1,000 tons certified
China consumes 70% of world cashmere, half from Mongolia
Sustainable cashmere standards adopted by 20 Mongolian factories in 2023
E-commerce sales of cashmere up 50% post-COVID to USD 500 million
Fiber length of premium Mongolian cashmere 36-40mm
Counterfeit cashmere market USD 1 billion, impacting Mongolia exports
Organic cashmere segment grew 25% to USD 200 million globally
White cashmere dominates 85% of Mongolian production for dyeing
Brand collaborations boosted Mongolian cashmere visibility 40% in fashion weeks

Market Interpretation

While Mongolia's goats supply the world's finest cashmere, its real luxury is proving that a sweater can be both impeccably soft and increasingly sustainable.

Production

In 2022, Mongolia produced 5,200 metric tons of raw cashmere fiber from approximately 28 million cashmere goats
The average annual cashmere yield per goat in Mongolia reached 150-200 grams in 2023, up from 120 grams in 2010 due to improved breeding
Mongolia's cashmere processing capacity expanded to 8,000 tons per year by 2021 with new facilities in Ulaanbaatar
In 2020, 65% of Mongolia's cashmere production came from the Gobi-Altai province, the largest producing region
Goat population for cashmere in Mongolia grew by 12% to 29.5 million heads in 2022
Primary cashmere combing season in Mongolia spans May to August, yielding 90% of annual production
Mongolia's dehaired cashmere output was 3,800 tons in 2021, with 95% purity standards met
Average fiber diameter of Mongolian cashmere is 14.5-15.5 microns, finer than Australian variants
In 2019, 1.2 million rural herders contributed to cashmere production, harvesting manually
Cashmere grease content in raw Mongolian fiber averages 25-30%, aiding natural lubrication
Production costs per kg of raw cashmere in Mongolia were USD 12-15 in 2022
Mongolia's cashmere cooperatives processed 2,500 tons in 2023, a 20% increase YoY
Khuvsgul province produced 800 tons of cashmere in 2022, second to Gobi-Altai
Female goats yield 80% of total cashmere fiber in Mongolia, averaging 180g each
Drought in 2021 reduced cashmere yield by 15% to 4,900 tons nationally
Mechanical dehairing introduced in 10 factories increased efficiency to 70% recovery rate

Production Interpretation

While Mongolia's nearly 30 million goats are now more productive than ever, the true luxury of its cashmere lies not just in its fineness but in the fact that each precious gram still depends on the hands of over a million herders navigating the fragile steppe.

Sources & References

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