2026 Cashmere Market Report: Raw Fiber Prices, Supply, and Buyer Outlook

Procurement managers planning 2026 collections keep asking the same three questions: what is the raw cashmere price per kg right now, is the China cashmere market still the most balanced source, and what does the cashmere supply chain outlook look like for the next 12 months? This cashmere market report 2026 synthesizes our factory-sourcing ranges, herder-level conversations, and yarn-mill indications into a buyer-focused view. Prices below are factory sourcing ranges / indicative ranges from our own quotations and mill surveys between January and July 2026 — they are not financial advice, not a market index, and we strongly encourage you to request a current quote before locking any budget.

Executive Summary

1. Raw cashmere fiber prices in 2026 have stabilized in a narrower band than 2022–2024, with Grade A (14–15.5μm) trading in a factory-sourcing range of roughly USD 75–110 per kg and Grade B (15.5–16.5μm) at USD 50–75 per kg.
2. Supply is modestly tight, not scarce. Inner Mongolian herder quotas, climate variability, and a steady luxury demand have kept the cashmere supply chain outlook constructive but range-bound rather than bull or bear.
3. The China cashmere market — and Ordos specifically — remains the most vertically integrated source for mid-to-premium cashmere, offering the best balance of price, micron, certification, and lead time for most B2B programs.
4. The biggest 2026 risk for buyers is not headline fiber price; it is currency volatility, freight spikes, and inconsistent certification paperwork at the fiber lot level.
5. Our cashmere price forecast 2026: finished FOB cashmere sweater ranges (Ordos factory gate, 500-piece order, 14.5μm 2/48nm) of USD 55–70 per piece, in line with our published cost breakdown.

If you remember nothing else: source by grade, not by headline price; verify fiber lot certificates at quotation, not at delivery; and book yarn 60–90 days ahead of cut.

Indicative Price Table by Grade (2026 Factory Sourcing Ranges)

The table below is built from our own dehaired-cashmere quotations and conversations with three independent combs in 2026. All numbers are factory sourcing ranges — what we have actually been quoted, not a published index. For definitions of A/B/C grades and micron ranges, see our cashmere grades guide.

Grade	Micron (μm)	Fiber length	2026 indicative USD/kg (dehaired, FOB Tianjin)	Typical 2026 end use
Grade A (premium)	14.0 – 15.5	36–42 mm	USD 90 – 110	Luxury 2-ply knitwear, 14.5μm worsted yarn
Grade A (standard)	15.0 – 15.5	34–38 mm	USD 75 – 90	Mid-premium sweaters, scarves, 2/48nm yarn
Grade B	15.5 – 16.5	32–36 mm	USD 50 – 75	Mainstream sweaters, blankets, blends
Grade C	16.5 – 19.0	26–32 mm	USD 25 – 50	Entry-level knitwear, cashmere blends, accessories
White fiber premium	n/a	n/a	+ USD 8 – 15 / kg	White garments (no dyeing), baby cashmere
Baby cashmere (<13.5μm)	< 13.5	34–38 mm	USD 180 – 260	Ultra-luxury, niche programs

Two caveats matter. First, micron is necessary but not sufficient — fiber length, crimp, and dehaired yield drive the usable yarn recovery. Second, the white-fiber premium has widened in 2026 because bleached white lots require stricter sorting. These are not retail prices and should not be used as a market index. Request a current quote from your supplier for your specific micron and lot size.

Five Price Drivers We Are Watching in 2026

1. Herder-side supply and grazing quotas

Inner Mongolia continues to manage goat herds through grazing permits and grassland-restoration programs. In 2026, the supply side is stable-to-slightly-down versus 2024–2025, which keeps a soft floor under prices. Weather risk (a cold winter plus dry spring) is the most likely 2026 supply shock.

2. Dehairing capacity and yield

Most raw cashmere is sold as “raw” with 30–50% grease + guard hair; dehaired cashmere is the tradeable unit. In 2026, dehairing capacity in the Ordos and Bayannur clusters is steady, but yield per kg of raw fiber has trended down ~2–3% versus 2023 due to finer average fiber diameter. Lower yield mechanically raises the dehaired price even if the herd count is flat.

3. Demand from luxury and DTC channels

Luxury demand in Europe, Japan, and the US has been resilient, and DTC mid-premium brands continue to grow. This is the main reason we have not seen a 2026 price collapse despite softer macro indicators elsewhere. For more on how this flows into a finished sweater, see our cashmere cost breakdown.

4. Currency, freight, and tariffs

Because cashmere is invoiced in USD to most international buyers, RMB strength raises the local-currency price. Sea-freight rates on China–EU / China–US lanes are within normal 2025 bands in mid-2026, but a single fuel shock can move the landed cost by 5–10%. Tariffs are country-specific (EU 4% duty + VAT, US HTS 6110 typically 0% on cashmere sweaters, Japan 0–7.5%) and should be modelled separately.

5. Certification and traceability paperwork

OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS (organic), RWS (responsible wool/cashmere standard), and the new Inner Mongolia geographical indication (GI) all add cost at the lot level. In 2026 we see buyers increasingly demanding fiber-lot certificates — not just finished-goods certificates — which is a healthy trend but raises documentation time.

Regional Supply Outlook

China (Inner Mongolia, especially Ordos)

The dominant source. Ordos-region factories remain the most vertically integrated in the world, with raw fiber, dehairing, spinning, knitting, and finishing often under one group. For B2B buyers targeting mid-premium cashmere at scale, this is still the default choice. Our raw material page details the lot-by-lot sourcing model we use.

Mongolia

Lower-cost alternative, but with thinner manufacturing depth. Mongolian raw fiber is real and abundant, but most premium yarn is still spun in China or Italy. For 2026, expect 15–25% lower FOB sweater prices versus China, offset by longer lead times and more variable yarn quality.

Afghanistan / Iran (Khorasan)

A smaller, niche source for very long, coarse fiber (often 17–19μm), typically used in carpets, hand-loomed shawls, and rustic knitwear. Not a substitute for fine Chinese cashmere, but a complementary source for artisanal programs.

Italy and Scotland

Buyers, not primary raw-fiber sources. Italian and Scottish mills comb and spin premium fiber (often imported from China or Mongolia) into ultra-fine yarn, then finish garments. Their added value is in spinning, finishing, and brand — not in raw fiber.

Australia and New Zealand

Emerging farm-raised cashmere. Volumes are still small, but traceability and animal-welfare certifications are strong. Expect to pay a 20–40% premium versus equivalent Chinese fiber, in exchange for lot-level provenance.

Buyer Scenarios for the Rest of 2026

Scenario A — Mid-premium private label (500–2,000 pcs). Use Grade A standard 15.0–15.5μm 2/48nm yarn from Ordos, knitted in 12gg, finished FOB Tianjin in the USD 55–65 / piece band. Lock yarn now, garment by Q4 2026. See our yarn-fabric catalogue for available counts.

Scenario B — Entry-level cashmere blend. Grade C 16.5–17.5μm blended with merino or wool, 7gg or 12gg, in the USD 18–28 / piece band. Useful for fast-fashion and high-volume programs, but be honest about hand-feel and pilling expectations.

Scenario C — Ultra-luxury 14μm or baby cashmere. Expect USD 110–160 / piece FOB for 14μm 2-ply, and USD 220–320 / piece for baby cashmere programs. Yarn must be booked 4–6 months ahead; only a handful of Ordos and Italian mills can run these counts reliably.

Scenario D — Replacement / repeat buy of an existing SKU. Most 2024–2025 collections can be re-quoted in 2026 with ±5–10% price change. Request a re-quote rather than a fresh RFQ to preserve yarn continuity.

Procurement Checklist (for 2026 sourcing)

1. Define micron and length, not just “cashmere”. Specify 14.5μm / 36mm, or 15.5μm / 34mm. “Cashmere” alone invites the cheapest grade that fits your label.
2. Ask for the fiber-lot certificate, not just the finished-goods certificate. OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and GI documentation should accompany the dehaired fiber invoice.
3. Lock yarn 60–90 days before cut. Yarn spot markets exist but pricing is volatile in Q3–Q4.
4. Negotiate on volume and gauge, not on fiber grade. Pushing the factory to “drop the fiber price” almost always means downgraded grade.
5. Budget 12% EU duty / 0% US duty on cashmere sweaters (HS 6110) as a starting point; verify with your broker.
6. Plan two inspection points: pre-shipment on finished goods, plus an optional mid-production yarn inspection for orders over 2,000 pcs.
7. Request a current quote. Indicative ranges age in weeks, not months.

FAQ

Q1. What is the raw cashmere price per kg in 2026? For dehaired Grade A standard, our factory sourcing range is USD 75–110 per kg FOB Tianjin in 2026. Grade B sits at USD 50–75/kg, Grade C at USD 25–50/kg. These are indicative ranges, not a market index — request a current quote.

Q2. Is the cashmere market going up or down in 2026? Our 2026 cashmere price forecast is range-bound, with a slight upward bias on Grade A premium (white and baby cashmere) and stable-to-soft on Grade B/C. We do not expect a 2022-style spike or a 2020-style collapse.

Q3. Should I still source from China in 2026? For most mid-premium and premium programs, yes. The China cashmere market — and Ordos specifically — still offers the best balance of micron, certification, capacity, and lead time. Mongolia and emerging sources work for specific niches but rarely replace China for mainstream B2B programs.

Q4. How does the cashmere supply chain outlook affect lead times? Expect 45–60 days for knitwear production from yarn-ready, plus 30–45 days for fiber-to-yarn if yarn is not pre-booked. Plan ahead 90–120 days for any Q4 2026 / Q1 2027 delivery.

Q5. Are these prices guaranteed? No. These are indicative ranges from our own quotations and mill conversations, valid as of July 2026. They are not financial advice. Always request a written quote tied to a specific fiber lot, micron, and order size.

CTA

If you are planning a 2026 or 2027 cashmere program and need an actual quotation on raw fiber, yarn, or finished garments, contact our sales team with your target micron, gauge, order size, and delivery window. We respond with a transparent FOB estimate within 24 hours, including fiber-lot certificates and a sample plan.

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This article is editorial content produced by the DONGXIAO® team based on our factory-sourcing experience. Prices and ranges are indicative and time-bound; they do not constitute financial advice or a market index.

Frequently asked questions about the 2026 cashmere market

Buyers planning 2026 and 2027 cashmere programs typically ask the same questions about price forecasts, supply availability, and procurement strategy. These quick answers cover the most common forward-planning questions. To request current pricing on raw fiber, yarn, or finished garments, see our 2026 quotation request form.

What is the cashmere price forecast for 2026?

Our 2026 cashmere price forecast is range-bound, with a slight upward bias on Grade A premium (white and baby cashmere) and stable-to-soft on Grade B/C. We do not expect a 2022-style spike or a 2020-style collapse. Grade A dehaired cashmere is forecast at USD 75–110 per kg FOB Tianjin; Grade B at USD 50–75/kg; Grade C at USD 25–50/kg. These are indicative ranges, not a market index — actual quotes depend on micron, staple length, color, lot size, and supply chain markup. The premium for Grade A is driven by sustained demand from luxury brands; the softness in Grade B/C reflects slower mid-market demand. Fiber price stability at these levels is expected through Q3 2026.

Will cashmere prices drop in 2026?

Cashmere prices are not expected to drop materially in 2026 — the floor has held around USD 25/kg for Grade C even during demand troughs, and Grade A premium fiber has consistently traded above USD 75/kg for the past three years. Demand softness in mid-tier cashmere may push Grade B pricing 5–10% lower through 2026 if mid-market apparel sales continue to soften, but Grade A pricing is supported by sustained luxury demand. The base-case forecast is range-bound: Grade A stable-to-slightly-up, Grade B stable-to-slightly-down, Grade C stable. We do not expect a 2020-style collapse unless global luxury demand drops 20%+ or a major supply disruption forces liquidation.

What is driving cashmere prices in 2026?

Five price drivers are shaping cashmere pricing in 2026: (1) sustained luxury brand appetite for premium white and baby cashmere, supporting Grade A premium; (2) softer mid-market apparel demand, putting downward pressure on Grade B/C; (3) increased compliance costs (OEKO-TEX, RWS, SFA) flowing through to factory margins; (4) fiber supply stability — Chinese herder cooperative output is stable, Mongolia output is recovering after 2024 drought; (5) currency dynamics — RMB/USD and MNT/USD movements shift factory profitability and quoted FOB prices. The net effect: stable-to-mixed pricing, with quality premium expanding (Grade A premium over Grade B widening).

Should I source cashmere from China or Mongolia in 2026?

For most mid-premium and premium cashmere programs in 2026, China (specifically Ordos and the Inner Mongolian plateau) still offers the best balance of micron, certification, capacity, and lead time. China cashmere factories offer 100-piece MOQ (versus 500+ in Mongolia), faster lead times (45–60 days for knitwear versus 75+ from Mongolia), full certification (OEKO-TEX, RWS, BSCI), and competitive pricing (USD 75–120/kg Grade A versus USD 100–150/kg through Mongolian trading channels). Mongolia-sourced cashmere offers a strong origin story for storytelling but rarely replaces China for mainstream B2B programs. The exception is ultra-luxury programs where Mongolia origin commands a 10–20% retail premium; for these, Mongolian fiber is worth the higher cost and longer lead time.

What is the MOQ for cashmere orders in 2026?

The MOQ for cashmere orders in 2026 remains 100 pieces per style for OEM/ODM knitwear programs at our Ordos factory. For dehaired cashmere fiber or yarn orders, the minimum is 5–10 kg depending on the count and color. MOQ has not increased despite the range-bound pricing — factories continue to compete on flexibility to win new buyers. Below 100 pieces per style, expect a 15–25% per-piece premium because setup costs cannot amortize. For first-time buyers testing a new supplier, 100 pieces remains the practical starting point. Some premium brands running capsule collections order as few as 50 pieces; expect a 20% premium at that volume.

When should I place my 2026 cashmere orders?

For 2026 fall/winter delivery, place cashmere orders by March-April 2026 (fiber procurement + spinning takes 60–90 days, knitwear production 45–60 days). For 2027 spring delivery, place orders by September-October 2026. The lead time bottleneck is usually yarn — fiber procurement + spinning takes 60–90 days if yarn is not pre-booked. Bulk production is faster at 25–35 days for standard 12gg pullovers. For custom Pantone dyeing, add 2 weeks to yarn lead time. For complex intarsia or jacquard designs, add 1–2 weeks to knitting lead time. Buyers who wait until summer for fall delivery typically pay rush fees of 10–15% or accept missed delivery dates. Planning ahead 90–120 days for any Q4 2026 / Q1 2027 delivery is the conservative approach.