The Alpaca Fleece and Fabric Market in the US

Alpacas and their fleece have naturally gained some attention with the increase of alpaca breeders in the US. There are about 3.5 million alpacas in the world with three million of those in Peru, most of the rest in Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. They have been domesticated in the Andes for thousands of years for their fine fleece. From 1992 to 2001, 2,801 alpaca were legally imported to the US from Peru. (1) There were more than 70,000 alpacas in the US in 2006. (2)

Alpacas grow fleece in at least 22 different colors from solid black to snow white. They are usually shorn in the spring like other wool producing animals. Each alpaca produces an average of 4.5-6.5 pounds of fleece per year. The colored and darker fleeces bring the highest prices. (3) Alpaca fleece contains no lanolin and is probably safe for those allergic to sheep's wool.

When alpacas are shorn the fleece is separated into several classes and as many as 22 colors. The finest fleece is "baby royal" with a hair diameter of 19 microns or less, comparable to cashmere. (One micron is one millionth of a meter, on the order of infra red radiation wave lengths.) This "baby royal" fleece comes from crias, alpaca babies who are shorn for the first time at under one year of age. As the alpacas age their fleece hairs naturally get thicker with a mature animal producing hairs as thick as 35 microns. The thinner, softer hairs are most desirable. All alpaca wool is longer than sheep's wool. The longer fibers cannot be processed with the same machinery that cleans and spins sheep wool.

For hobbyists and crafters, alpaca fleece can be purchased in small quantities on sites like etsy.com or ebay.com

for a few dollars an ounce. Spun yarn is sought after by knitters and chrocheters. 100% alpaca yarns and alpaca yarn blends can be found for $2 to $5 per 50 grams (1.75 ounces) and more. http://www.lavishfibres.com/100-alpaca-y.html

Few if any large North American mills can process alpaca fabric in bulk. Much of the fleece is sent to Peru for processing. Purchasing woven or knit alpaca fabric in the US is difficult at best. 100% alpaca woven fabrics can sell for $80/yard or more.

The easiest to find alpaca products are pre-made items, usually from Peru. The US imports blankets, hats, gloves, shawls and more made from alpaca wool and wool blends.

For more on the International year of Natural Fibres see:

http://www.fao.org/es/esc/en/15/320/highlight_322.html

Resources and more information of alpaca fleece:

(1) http://www.american.edu/ted/alpaca.htm

(2) http://www.alpacainfo.com/invest/supply.asp

(3) Private correspondence with J. O., Ohio Alpaca Breeders Association

http://www.alphatops.com/geneva/marketa.html

http://www.heartoftexasalpacas.com/FAQ.aspx

http://www.gatewayalpacas.com/alpacas/alpacas-as-a-business/alpaca-fiber-arts.htm