The market steadied this week after recent gains, with the Eastern Market Indicator easing 10¢ to 1504¢/kg clean. Fremantle was the only centre to gain, with the Western Market Indicator lifting 4¢ to 1665¢. Supply rose to 39,161 bales offered and 35,404 sold, with the pass-in rate at 9.6%, still well below the high pass-ins seen earlier in spring
Across the East Coast, Sydney recorded clear declines across the categories. The 17 MPG fell 25¢ to 2118¢, the 18 MPG eased 28¢ to 2000¢, and the 19 MPG fell 16¢ to 1869¢. Crossbreds were also weaker, with the 28 MPG down 15¢ to 660¢, and Merino cardings closed at 805¢ in Sydney.
In Melbourne, fine and medium fleece also softened. The 17 MPG dropped 33¢ to 2059¢, the 18 MPG slipped 15¢ to 1980¢, and the 19 MPG eased 13¢ to 1864¢, while the 20 MPG fell 34¢ to 1815¢. Crossbreds also had a down week, with the 25 MPG down 8¢ to 858¢, and the 26 MPG went down 18¢ to 760¢. The cardings finished 10¢ higher at 745¢.
Out west, Fremantle was firmer than the eastern centres. The 19 MPG gained 39¢ to 1858¢, and the 20 MPG rose 13¢ to 1802¢, supported by stronger demand for broader Merino types. Fremantle cardings also improved, finishing 12¢ higher at 761¢.
The Australian Dollar traded around 0.65 this week, with Bloomberg reporting the currency firmed following stronger local inflation data. China’s October retail sales rose 2.9% year-on-year on official figures, offering a modest lift in consumption and helping steady sentiment for linked commodities.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looked at how weekly auction volumes relate to the EMI and found the relationship to be weak (see article here). He showed that both low and high volume weeks have occurred in rising and falling markets, with no consistent link to price movements. He noted that Australia supplies about half of global fine wool production, yet weekly offerings explain little of the variation in the EMI. He concluded that catalogue make-up, demand trends and clearance rates carry far more influence than week-to-week volume.
The week ahead….
As we head into summer, next week will see 37,581 bales rostered, with Fremantle selling on Tuesday only and Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Australian wool market returned from the Christmas and New Year recess with a strong re-rating across all selling centres, as buyers returned from the
The Australian wool market concluded the final sale week of 2025 in unspectacular fashion. The Eastern Market Indicator finished the week at 1541¢/kg, down 1¢,
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Firmer west offsets eastern softness
Across the East Coast, Sydney recorded clear declines across the categories. The 17 MPG fell 25¢ to 2118¢, the 18 MPG eased 28¢ to 2000¢, and the 19 MPG fell 16¢ to 1869¢. Crossbreds were also weaker, with the 28 MPG down 15¢ to 660¢, and Merino cardings closed at 805¢ in Sydney.
In Melbourne, fine and medium fleece also softened. The 17 MPG dropped 33¢ to 2059¢, the 18 MPG slipped 15¢ to 1980¢, and the 19 MPG eased 13¢ to 1864¢, while the 20 MPG fell 34¢ to 1815¢. Crossbreds also had a down week, with the 25 MPG down 8¢ to 858¢, and the 26 MPG went down 18¢ to 760¢. The cardings finished 10¢ higher at 745¢.
Out west, Fremantle was firmer than the eastern centres. The 19 MPG gained 39¢ to 1858¢, and the 20 MPG rose 13¢ to 1802¢, supported by stronger demand for broader Merino types. Fremantle cardings also improved, finishing 12¢ higher at 761¢.
The Australian Dollar traded around 0.65 this week, with Bloomberg reporting the currency firmed following stronger local inflation data. China’s October retail sales rose 2.9% year-on-year on official figures, offering a modest lift in consumption and helping steady sentiment for linked commodities.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looked at how weekly auction volumes relate to the EMI and found the relationship to be weak (see article here). He showed that both low and high volume weeks have occurred in rising and falling markets, with no consistent link to price movements. He noted that Australia supplies about half of global fine wool production, yet weekly offerings explain little of the variation in the EMI. He concluded that catalogue make-up, demand trends and clearance rates carry far more influence than week-to-week volume.
The week ahead….
As we head into summer, next week will see 37,581 bales rostered, with Fremantle selling on Tuesday only and Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Data sources: Mecardo, Bloomberg, AWI, AWEX
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
Listen to the podcast
Join the Mecardo team for the Commodity Conversations podcast, where we provide short weekly market recaps and longer conversations with guests to discuss the drivers and trends in livestock, grain and fibre markets.
MEET THE TEAM
Our team of market analysts are recognised as leaders in Australian Ag market analysis, providing invaluable insights to help you navigate the ever-changing commodity landscape.
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE
We don’t just bring you the most up to date market insights. Find out more about Mecardo’s services including risk management advisory, modelling, benchmarking, research & consultancy.