Mohair, the luxurious fiber produced by Angora goats, is highly prized in the textile industry for its sheen, durability, and softness. Whether you’re a farmer, fiber artist, or investor, understanding the market value of mohair is essential. Prices fluctuate based on quality, processing, and global demand.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore:
- Factors affecting mohair prices
- Current market rates for raw and processed mohair
- Regional price differences
- Tips for maximizing profits from mohair sales
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Mohair: A Premium Fiber
Mohair comes from Angora goats (not to be confused with Angora rabbits, which produce angora wool). It is known for its:
- Luster – Mohair has a natural shine, making it ideal for high-end fabrics.
- Durability – Stronger than wool, mohair resists wrinkling and wear.
- Softness – Kid mohair (from young goats) is especially soft and sought-after.
Because of these qualities, mohair is used in luxury clothing, upholstery, and even high-performance textiles.
2. Factors That Influence Mohair Prices
Several key factors determine how much mohair sells for:
A. Quality & Grade
- Kid Mohair (from goats under 6 months old) – The finest, softest, and most expensive (often 20–20–40 per pound raw).
- Yearling Mohair (6–12 months) – Slightly coarser but still valuable (15–15–25 per pound).
- Adult Mohair (over 1 year) – Strong but less soft, used for rugs and upholstery (8–8–15 per pound).
B. Fiber Diameter (Micron Count)
- Superfine (≤ 23 microns) – Highest value, used in luxury garments.
- Fine (24–27 microns) – Still premium but slightly less expensive.
- Medium (28–30 microns) – Used for durable fabrics and blends.
- Strong (≥ 31 microns) – Mostly for carpets and industrial uses.
C. Processing Stage
- Raw Mohair (Unwashed) – Cheaper but requires cleaning (5–5–30 per pound).
- Scoured (Washed) Mohair – More valuable (15–15–50 per pound).
- Dyed or Processed Yarn – Highest price (30–30–100+ per pound).
D. Market Demand & Trends
- Fashion Industry Influence – High-end designers drive up prices.
- Sustainable & Ethical Demand – Organic, cruelty-free mohair fetches premiums.
- Global Supply Issues – Droughts, diseases, or export bans affect availability.
E. Regional Variations
- South Africa – The world’s largest mohair producer (50% of global supply). Prices range from 10–10–35 per pound raw.
- United States – Smaller market, but premium prices (20–20–50 per pound).
- Turkey & Australia – Mid-range prices (15–15–30 per pound).
- UK & Europe – High demand for ethically sourced mohair (25–25–60 per pound).
3. Current Mohair Price Ranges (2024)
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay or earn:
| Type of Mohair | Price per Pound (USD) |
|---|---|
| Raw Kid Mohair (Fine) | 20–20–40 |
| Raw Adult Mohair | 8–8–15 |
| Scoured (Washed) Mohair | 15–15–50 |
| Mohair Top (Combed for Spinning) | 25–25–60 |
| Mohair Yarn (Hand-Dyed Artisan) | 30–30–100+ |
| Low-Grade (Carpet/Industrial Use) | 5–5–10 |
A. Raw vs. Processed Mohair
- Raw mohair is cheaper but requires cleaning, which adds cost.
- Processed mohair (washed, dyed, spun) sells for much higher prices.
B. Organic & Ethical Mohair Premiums
- Certified Organic Mohair – 20–50% higher prices.
- Animal Welfare Certified – Ethical buyers pay more.
4. Where to Sell Mohair for the Best Price
A. Direct to Fiber Mills & Processors
- Large buyers like The Mohair Company (South Africa) or Imperial Yarn (USA) purchase bulk raw mohair.
B. Online Marketplaces
- Etsy, eBay, Ravelry – Great for small batches and hand-spun yarn.
- Fiber Festivals & Trade Shows – Premium prices from niche buyers.
C. Local Fiber Co-ops & Guilds
- Many regions have fiber collectives that offer fair prices.
D. Luxury Fashion Brands
- High-end designers may contract directly with ethical farms.
5. Tips for Maximizing Mohair Profits
- Improve Fiber Quality – Selective breeding for finer micron counts.
- Add Value Through Processing – Washing, dyeing, or spinning increases profits.
- Certifications Matter – Organic, cruelty-free, or fair-trade labels attract premium buyers.
- Market Directly to Hand-Spinners – They pay top dollar for high-quality fleeces.
- Stay Updated on Trends – Sustainable and luxury markets are growing.
6. Challenges in the Mohair Market
- Price Volatility – Global supply shifts impact earnings.
- Competition from Synthetics – Cheaper alternatives like acrylic affect demand.
- Ethical Concerns – Some buyers avoid mohair due to animal welfare debates.
Here are ten frequently asked questions about the selling price of Angora goat mohair, along with detailed answers that cover the key factors influencing the market.
1. What is the average price per pound for mohair?
There is no single “average” price, as it varies wildly based on quality and market conditions. However, as a general range:
- Adult Mohair: Can range from $4 to $10 per pound for a decent clip.
- Kid Mohair (first clip): This is the most valuable, often selling for $12 to $20+ per pound due to its fineness and softness.
- Lower-Grade/Short Mohair: Can sell for as low as $2 to $4 per pound.
2. What is the single biggest factor that determines the price?
Fiber Diameter (Micron). This is the measure of fineness. The lower the micron, the finer and softer the fiber, and the higher the price.
- Kid Mohair: < 30 microns (most valuable)
- Young Goat/Getting Mohair: 30-34 microns
- Adult Mohair: > 34 microns (least valuable)
3. How does the preparation of the fiber affect the price?
How you prepare the fleece for sale is critical.
- In the Grease (Raw): Sold as it’s shorn, with all the dirt, grease (lanolin), and vegetable matter. This fetches the lowest price.
- Skirted & Graded: The dirty edges, belly wool, and stained parts are removed. The clean fleece is then sorted by quality. This commands a significantly higher price per pound.
- Scoured (Cleaned): The grease and dirt have been washed out. This is sold by the clean weight and gets the highest price per pound, but you bear the cost and weight loss of cleaning.
4. Is there a market for raw, unskirted mohair?
Yes, but it is a bulk market. Commercial mills and large buyers may purchase raw mohair, but they will offer a much lower price per pound because they have to do the skirting and cleaning themselves. For small-scale producers, selling raw is the least profitable option.
5. What is the price difference between white and colored mohair?
White mohair is the industry standard and has the highest demand because it can be dyed any color. It typically sells for the best price. Natural colored mohair (browns, grays, blacks) is a niche, specialty market. It can sometimes command a premium from hand-spinners and artisan weavers, but the overall market for it is much smaller.
6. How do I sell my mohair? Where do I find buyers?
Your selling method impacts the price.
- Direct to Hand-spinners: (Highest price per pound) Sell through farmers’ markets, Etsy, or fiber festivals. This requires small, prepared batches.
- Marketing Cooperatives: (Good price, more stable) Many producers join co-ops (like the Mohair Council of America) that pool fiber, grade it, and sell it in bulk to mills.
- Online Livestock/Fiber Auctions: A good place to sell individual fleeces or lots.
- Direct to Mill: Usually only an option for very large, consistent producers.
7. Why are prices so volatile?
Mohair is a global commodity. Prices are heavily influenced by:
- International Fashion Trends: Demand from high-end fashion houses in Europe and Asia.
- Global Production: Drought in South Africa (a major producer) or changes in U.S. production affect supply.
- Economic Conditions: In recessions, luxury fibers are often the first to see demand drop.
8. How much does a single Angora goat’s fleece weigh, and what is it worth?
A mature Angora goat can produce 5 to 12 pounds of mohair per year.
- Example Calculation: If you have a well-skirted adult fleece weighing 8 lbs and sell it for $6/lb, it’s worth $48.
- If you have a premium kid fleece weighing 4 lbs and sell it for $18/lb to a hand-spinner, it’s worth $72.
9. Can I get a premium for “certified organic” or “sustainably raised” mohair?
Yes, absolutely. There is a growing market for ethically and sustainably produced fibers. Certification processes can be involved, but marketing your mohair as organic, pasture-raised, or from a specific farm can add significant value, especially in the hand-spinning and artisan community.
10. What are the most common mistakes that lower the price of my mohair?
- Poor Skirting: Selling a fleece full of dirt, manure, and burrs.
- Second Cuts: Short fibers caused by going over the same spot twice with the shears. This lowers the staple length and quality.
- Lack of Uniformity: Mixing different grades (e.g., belly wool with prime blanket wool) in the same bag.
- Poor Packaging: Using plastic bags that trap moisture and cause mold, or using dirty sacks.
- High Vegetable Matter (VM): Goats in weedy pastures will have fiber full of seeds and chaff, which is difficult and expensive to remove.