The wool market strengthened in the penultimate sale of the season, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rising by 10 cents to close at 1,207 cents per kg. Despite the smallest weekly national offering of the season at 20,756 bales, competitive bidding led to widespread price gains and a low pass-in rate of 5.4%.
Only Sydney and Melbourne held sales this week, with Fremantle not operating. The reduced volume intensified competition, resulting in gains across most fleece categories. The 17 MPG lifted 15 cents to close at 1,722 cents, while the 19 MPG in the South rose 12 cents to finish at 1,486 cents. The 21 MPG also posted a solid result, gaining 10 cents to reach 1,415 cents. Merino cardings strengthened as well, with the Southern MC Indicator up 9 cents. The consistent support across finer and broader microns reflected firm buyer demand despite the season’s smallest national offering.
Crossbred wool continues to outperform Merino in recent months. The Southern 26 MPG has surged 11.9% since early May, rising from 588 to 658 cents per kilogram. Similarly, the 28 MPG advanced 7.8%, lifting from 422 to 455 cents, while the 30 MPG recorded the strongest growth, jumping 12.5% from 360 to 405 cents
While the EMI sits 4.1 percent higher than the same time last year, seasonal volumes remain well below average. National offerings are down nearly 14 percent year-on-year, with all regions contributing to the decline. This tightening in supply has helped support prices in recent weeks, particularly for crossbred and finer Merino types.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looks at the Ultrafine market (See article here). Ultrafine Merino volumes are rising, yet prices remain strong. Despite increased supply of 12–14 micron wool, these categories continue to trade in the top price quartile, highlighting firm demand from premium end-users.
The week ahead….
Fremantle returns next week for the final sale of the season, lifting the national offering to 32,648 bales. The question now is whether this late-season strength can carry through into the new financial year and set a firmer tone heading into 2025.
The market remains sensitive to volume changes currently, with a mixed bag for indicators this week and slight improvement overall as volumes eased. The Eastern
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.
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.
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.
Late-season strength lifts prices
Only Sydney and Melbourne held sales this week, with Fremantle not operating. The reduced volume intensified competition, resulting in gains across most fleece categories. The 17 MPG lifted 15 cents to close at 1,722 cents, while the 19 MPG in the South rose 12 cents to finish at 1,486 cents. The 21 MPG also posted a solid result, gaining 10 cents to reach 1,415 cents. Merino cardings strengthened as well, with the Southern MC Indicator up 9 cents. The consistent support across finer and broader microns reflected firm buyer demand despite the season’s smallest national offering.
Crossbred wool continues to outperform Merino in recent months. The Southern 26 MPG has surged 11.9% since early May, rising from 588 to 658 cents per kilogram. Similarly, the 28 MPG advanced 7.8%, lifting from 422 to 455 cents, while the 30 MPG recorded the strongest growth, jumping 12.5% from 360 to 405 cents
While the EMI sits 4.1 percent higher than the same time last year, seasonal volumes remain well below average. National offerings are down nearly 14 percent year-on-year, with all regions contributing to the decline. This tightening in supply has helped support prices in recent weeks, particularly for crossbred and finer Merino types.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looks at the Ultrafine market (See article here). Ultrafine Merino volumes are rising, yet prices remain strong. Despite increased supply of 12–14 micron wool, these categories continue to trade in the top price quartile, highlighting firm demand from premium end-users.
The week ahead….
Fremantle returns next week for the final sale of the season, lifting the national offering to 32,648 bales. The question now is whether this late-season strength can carry through into the new financial year and set a firmer tone heading into 2025.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: AWEX, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Supply limping in winter but buyers don’t appear in a rush
There were no auctions in the west this week, which brought a lower than typical bale offering. However demand leaned on the weak side relative
Broad merino supply and price in Australia
Wool prices have performed well during the past year, rising from low levels. The question, as usual, is how much of this rise is structural
Mixed results as volumes ease
The market remains sensitive to volume changes currently, with a mixed bag for indicators this week and slight improvement overall as volumes eased. The Eastern
Crossbred supply and price in 2025-26
The 2025-26 season was a good one generally for wool with prices up by 30-40% (season averages) for the AWEX MPGs across the board in
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
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.