Fine alpaca products created a US$ 72.6 mn revenue this year for Peru

Peru is home to 90% of the alpaca population worldwide therefore the animal fiber which is lustrous and silky natural fiber proves to be a great export for the nation´s economy. This year, as of June fine alpaca products created a US$ 72.6 million revenue, according to El Comercio.

It is one of the finest luxury fibers in the world. Baby alpaca—so silky soft and velvety smooth to the touch it was once reserved for Inca royalty.

While alpaca products have enjoyed a 31.3% increase in exportation, textile products in general have advanced over 35% and clothing, for which alpaca fleece is commonly used, enjoyed a near 15% increase.

According to Magali Silva, Minister of Foregin Commerce and Trade (Mincetur), 80% of the world´s alpaca fleece derives from Peru. Speaking at the inauguration of the textile event, Expotextil Peru 2014, the head of Mincetur proudly spoke of the positive year Peru has had with both textile and clothing exports.

The PeruTextil event will be held at Jockey Plaza until October 26. More than 24,000 foreign and domestic visitors are expected to attend.

Recently it was reported that New Zealanders are quite fond of alpaca fur.

In the textile industry, “alpaca” primarily refers to the hair of Peruvian alpacas, but more broadly it refers to a style of fabric originally made from alpaca hair, but now often made from similar fibers, such as mohair, Icelandic sheep wool, or even high-quality English wool. In trade, distinctions are made between alpacas and the several styles of mohair and luster.