This week wool market continued its vigorous upward trajectory with the Eastern Market Indicator climbing 41¢ to finish the week at 1,689 ¢/kg. This result represents a lift of 148 ¢/kg since the start of the 2026 selling year for a year to date increase of 9.6%.
Supply volumes rose, as 43,497 bales were offered to the trade, marking an increase of 6,432 bales compared to the previous selling week. This represented the largest national offering since the corresponding sale of the prior season. Despite this, the national passed-in rate remained low at 1.7%, confirming that buyer appetite is comfortably absorbing the increased volume.
In the North, the fine wool sector led the charge with the 16.5 MPG jumping 40¢ to settle at 2,321 ¢/kg. The 17.0 MPG also performed strongly, jumping 52¢ to finish at 2,302 ¢/kg, while broad Merino support saw the 19.0 MPG add 27¢ to finish at 2,098 ¢/kg. Strength continued into the medium types with the 20.0 MPG rising 31¢ to close at 2,029 ¢/kg.
Melbourne markets mirrored this momentum, with the 18.0 MPG gaining 37¢ to finish at 2,194 ¢/kg. Medium Merino types also saw solid support as the 19.0 MPG rose 42¢ to settle at 2,084 ¢/kg. The crossbred sector recorded the largest percentage rises for the week, best highlighted by the 28.0 MPG rising 43¢ to finish at 728 ¢/kg. The 30.0 MPG added a further 37¢ to close at 637 ¢/kg
The Fremantle market also contributed to the national strength with the 17.0 MPG adding 25¢ to settle at 2,252 ¢/kg. Gains were noted in the medium categories as the 18.0 MPG finished 34¢ higher at 2,176 ¢/kg, while the 20.0 MPG gained 32¢ to reach 2,015 ¢/kg. The session was rounded out by the Merino Cardings, which rose 20¢ to finish at 909 ¢/kg. Overall, the WMI rose 32¢, to finish at 1878¢/kg
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods analysed seasonal wool price patterns and the recent market rally (see article here). He noted that the 7% EMI rise following the Christmas recess sits in the top decile of first-week changes since 1993, doubling the typical median lift. He found that, historically, post-Christmas rises exceeding 5% correlate with a stronger second half, and the market often finishes 8% above the first-half average. He suggested that, due to this, the opening sales give signs of a positive seasonal outlook, supported by low stocks and falling global production.
The week ahead….
Looking ahead, next week’s sale days will change to Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate the Monday Australia Day public holiday. Wit the national offering of 43,997 bales for the coming week.
The Australian wool market recovered from the losses recorded in the previous series, with prices lifting across both selling days. The Eastern Market Indicator rose
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Merino momentum holds the high ground
Supply volumes rose, as 43,497 bales were offered to the trade, marking an increase of 6,432 bales compared to the previous selling week. This represented the largest national offering since the corresponding sale of the prior season. Despite this, the national passed-in rate remained low at 1.7%, confirming that buyer appetite is comfortably absorbing the increased volume.
In the North, the fine wool sector led the charge with the 16.5 MPG jumping 40¢ to settle at 2,321 ¢/kg. The 17.0 MPG also performed strongly, jumping 52¢ to finish at 2,302 ¢/kg, while broad Merino support saw the 19.0 MPG add 27¢ to finish at 2,098 ¢/kg. Strength continued into the medium types with the 20.0 MPG rising 31¢ to close at 2,029 ¢/kg.
Melbourne markets mirrored this momentum, with the 18.0 MPG gaining 37¢ to finish at 2,194 ¢/kg. Medium Merino types also saw solid support as the 19.0 MPG rose 42¢ to settle at 2,084 ¢/kg. The crossbred sector recorded the largest percentage rises for the week, best highlighted by the 28.0 MPG rising 43¢ to finish at 728 ¢/kg. The 30.0 MPG added a further 37¢ to close at 637 ¢/kg
The Fremantle market also contributed to the national strength with the 17.0 MPG adding 25¢ to settle at 2,252 ¢/kg. Gains were noted in the medium categories as the 18.0 MPG finished 34¢ higher at 2,176 ¢/kg, while the 20.0 MPG gained 32¢ to reach 2,015 ¢/kg. The session was rounded out by the Merino Cardings, which rose 20¢ to finish at 909 ¢/kg. Overall, the WMI rose 32¢, to finish at 1878¢/kg
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods analysed seasonal wool price patterns and the recent market rally (see article here). He noted that the 7% EMI rise following the Christmas recess sits in the top decile of first-week changes since 1993, doubling the typical median lift. He found that, historically, post-Christmas rises exceeding 5% correlate with a stronger second half, and the market often finishes 8% above the first-half average. He suggested that, due to this, the opening sales give signs of a positive seasonal outlook, supported by low stocks and falling global production.
The week ahead….
Looking ahead, next week’s sale days will change to Wednesday and Thursday to accommodate the Monday Australia Day public holiday. Wit the national offering of 43,997 bales for the coming week.
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Data sources: AWEX, AWI, Mecardo
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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.
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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.
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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.