A good summary from Americana Alpacas:

In 1984, alpacas were imported into the United States for the first time. Initially these animals came from Bolivia and Chile, with subsequent imports from Peru in 1993. In 1998 The Alpaca Registry Inc. (ARI) voted to stop registration of new imports, which effectively meant that new imports of animals ceased. This 
combination of historical events has led to a United States herd of approximately 47,000 animals. There are over 2,000 alpaca ranches and farms in the continental U.S., but the demand for animals and fiber continues to increase with prices for quality animals remaining steady.

Owners and breeders vary from large ranches with hundreds of animals to small farms with 2 or 3 animals. Many owners decide to invest in animals over a period of time and rely on ranches or farms to look after their animals until they are ready to start their own ranch. Many owners simply board their animals at a nearby ranch permanently and get involved with the animals when time permits. Whatever your choice investment in alpacas can be financially and personally rewarding. 

People have asked us about the exotic bird industry and other exotic animals. The alpaca has a single offspring each year, this combined with the other factors previously mentioned mean that there is a self limiting supply. The end product of the alpaca is its fleece. In order to harvest the fleece the alpaca does not have to be destroyed. The alpaca while a distinctive animal is not really considered an exotic, especially if you look at the numbers of animals world wide and the demand for alpaca products. The alpaca industry has been growing and thriving for decades - thousands of years if you include the South American use of alpacas!

Compound interest is the basis of all good investments, and the alpaca is no exception. A female alpaca gives birth once a year with a roughly 50% chance of having a female offspring. This offspring in about 18 months or so will be capable of being bred. As you breed more animals, the value of your herd increases. The value of this herd is tax deferred and continues to be so until you decide to sell some of the animals. (There are are other tax advantages of Alpaca ownership wether you agist or raise them on your own ranch).

As we know, the laws of business state that if there is a high demand and a limited supply, then there is a higher price to be paid for goods or services. In the alpaca world, there is not only demand for the fleece and ultimately finished products, but also for breeding stock. For the last 20 years or more demand for these animals has been strong. The Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA) also coordinates a targeted marketing campaign, increasing awareness of the Alpaca industry, products and investment potential. This awareness by consumers results in the fashion industry using alpaca in a range of clothing and other end products.
With about 47,000 animals of which about 60% are female, and a gestation period of 11-12 months, the increase in the number of animals is quite slow. The result is that there is a small but genetically diverse American herd. Each animal is registered with the Alpaca Registry Inc., (ARI) ensuring that the animals are properly tracked and that a genetic history is maintained.

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