Strong Performance For Mohair, Despite Negative Publicity

Despite the recent release of controversial video footage by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which was taken by undercover activists on visits to South African Angora goat farms, the mohair market continued its strong performance.

- Roelof Bezuidenhout

At the first sale for May in Port Elizabeth, the average market indicator gained 3,9% on the previous sale to close at R279,78/kg. Almost all of the 110 500kg on offer was sold.

Most types gained between 3% and 5%, and the highest price of R480/kg was paid for a bale of good style 22-micron kids’ mohair.

The video footage, which was released a week before the sale, was shot in the shearing sheds on two Angora farms in the Eastern Cape. The footage depicts goats being shorn, and the alleged abuse and poor treatment of the animals during this process.