This was mirrored in the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), which fell 22¢ to 1,210¢/kg, while the national pass-in rate jumped to 15.8%—more than double the seasonal average. It was a similar story in other regions. The Northern Market Indicator (NMI) dropped 29 cents to 1,244¢/kg, while the Western Market Indicator (WMI) fell 10 cents to 1,363¢/kg.
Merino fleece bore the brunt of the softening demand, with most Micron Price Guides (MPGs) retreating 10–30 cents. The finer end came under greater pressure. In the Northern region, 18.5-micron wool eased 14¢ to 1,568¢, while 19.5-micron types fell 19¢ to 1,501¢. Notably, 17-micron wool dropped 32¢ to 1,668¢, and 18.0-micron wool fell 23¢ to 1,592¢, as processors resisted higher-priced drought-affected and lower-tensile-strength lots.
Meanwhile, 21-micron wool lost 10¢ to 1,470¢, holding relatively firm on the back of solid support for mid-range Merino. And finally, in the Southern market, the 18.5 MPG lost 8¢ to 1,564¢, and the 17-micron MPG fell 26¢ to 1,722¢.
Crossbred wool types and cardings were more resilient. Losses in the 26 to 32-micron range were mostly limited to 5–10 cents, with the 28 MPG in the south finishing at 430¢, down 10¢. The standout was the Western Carding Indicator, which rose 7¢ to 728¢/kg, bucking the broader market trend.
This week in Mecardo (see article here), Andrew Woods analyses the comparison and interplay between fine Merino wool, cashmere, and wine prices, linking their fluctuations to the economic cycle. He observed that cashmere prices have risen, but the 16-micron Merino-to-cashmere price ratio of ~0.155 remains moderate, suggesting fine wool prices could climb without exceeding historical norms.
Buyers return cautiously
This was mirrored in the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), which fell 22¢ to 1,210¢/kg, while the national pass-in rate jumped to 15.8%—more than double the seasonal average. It was a similar story in other regions. The Northern Market Indicator (NMI) dropped 29 cents to 1,244¢/kg, while the Western Market Indicator (WMI) fell 10 cents to 1,363¢/kg.
Merino fleece bore the brunt of the softening demand, with most Micron Price Guides (MPGs) retreating 10–30 cents. The finer end came under greater pressure. In the Northern region, 18.5-micron wool eased 14¢ to 1,568¢, while 19.5-micron types fell 19¢ to 1,501¢. Notably, 17-micron wool dropped 32¢ to 1,668¢, and 18.0-micron wool fell 23¢ to 1,592¢, as processors resisted higher-priced drought-affected and lower-tensile-strength lots.
Meanwhile, 21-micron wool lost 10¢ to 1,470¢, holding relatively firm on the back of solid support for mid-range Merino. And finally, in the Southern market, the 18.5 MPG lost 8¢ to 1,564¢, and the 17-micron MPG fell 26¢ to 1,722¢.
Crossbred wool types and cardings were more resilient. Losses in the 26 to 32-micron range were mostly limited to 5–10 cents, with the 28 MPG in the south finishing at 430¢, down 10¢. The standout was the Western Carding Indicator, which rose 7¢ to 728¢/kg, bucking the broader market trend.
This week in Mecardo (see article here), Andrew Woods analyses the comparison and interplay between fine Merino wool, cashmere, and wine prices, linking their fluctuations to the economic cycle. He observed that cashmere prices have risen, but the 16-micron Merino-to-cashmere price ratio of ~0.155 remains moderate, suggesting fine wool prices could climb without exceeding historical norms.
Next week
Looking ahead, there is expected to be a lighter offering next week, with 31,546 bales scheduled for sale. Western Australia will be selling on Tuesday only, while the other regions return to the usual selling schedule.
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Data sources: AWEX, Mecardo
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