A modern cashmere production factory in Ordos city. [Photo/Nuan News]

Ordos city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is making significant strides in establishing a world-class cashmere industry, showcasing its superior quality and innovative prowess on global platforms.

From designer Hao Guilan's cashmere scarf debuting at the 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala to being featured prominently at Paris Fashion Week, Ordos cashmere is gaining international recognition. This success is attributed to the region's high-quality genetic resources, advanced research and development, and strong local brands.

Superior cashmere quality

Located in the temperate continental climate zone and embraced by the Yellow River, Ordos benefits from an ideal natural environment at 38° to 40° north latitude, perfect for raising high-quality goats.

The local Albas cashmere goat is a world-renowned breed that produces cashmere with an average fineness of 14.6 to 15.5 microns. In the international market, this breed has earned the nicknames "fiber gem" and "soft gold." It has also won Italy's prestigious Cigna award.

Largest cashmere goat population

Ordos maintains a stable population of 6.8 million cashmere goats and produces 3,552 metric tons of cashmere annually. This accounts for 58 percent of Inner Mongolia's output, 24 percent of China's, and 14 percent of the global supply, making it the largest producer of Albas cashmere worldwide.

Comprehensive industrial chain

The city's cashmere industry boasts a complete upstream and downstream supply chain, with 44 leading enterprises involved. In 2023, Ordos stored 5,000 tons of raw cashmere, produced 1,800 tons of dehaired cashmere, and manufactured 6.5 million cashmere products. Ordos accounts for 50 percent of China's production capacity and 40 percent globally, establishing it as a premier base for raw cashmere and cashmere products.

A grand Ordos cashmere fashion show is held at Paris Fashion Week on Sept 26. [Photo/Nuan News]

Prominent brands

Ordos has registered "Albas Cashmere" as a geographical indication trademark, establishing "Albas" as a high-end cashmere brand. The city hosts 56 cashmere brands, including "Erdos" and "Dongda & Mongolian King". The Erdos Group, with its flagship brands "1436" and "Erdos 1980", ranked 51st in China's 500 Most Valuable Brands 2024 list with a brand value of 180.97 billion yuan ($25.82 billion). It has topped the textile and apparel industry for 18 consecutive years.

Robust industry policies

Ordos has prioritized the development of the cashmere industry, enacting the "Albas Cashmere Goat Protection Ordinance", the first local livestock breed protection law in Inner Mongolia.

The city has also introduced policies such as the "Implementation Opinions on Revitalizing the Cashmere Industry" and the "Action Plan for Building a World-Class Cashmere Industry."

With an annual investment of 160 million yuan, these policies aim to enhance breeding, technological innovation, industrial chain strengthening, and quality improvement, boosting the industry and its global competitiveness.

Ordos has also developed a comprehensive cashmere industry center, led by the Erdos Group, centered around the Dongsheng Cashmere Industrial Park. The industry has evolved from processing single cashmere sweaters to a full range of cashmere products and apparel, accounting for half of China's and one-third of the world's cashmere processing and marketing capabilities.

The 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala hosts wear cashmere scarves produced in Ordos city. [Photo/Nuan News]