There were minor movements in the EMI as the wool market returned to sales in all centres. With shearing continuing during the wool market winter recess, this week is traditionally one of the more extensive offerings for the season.
The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 3¢ for the series, closing at 1,176¢/kg. With significant movement in exchange rates over the break, the EMI when expressed in US¢ dropped by 22 US¢, a 2.8% reduction. The AWEX Western Market Indicator (WMI) lost 7¢ to finish at 1332¢/kg.
AWEX report that the market movements were varied across different sectors, different types and different microns. In the merino fleece types the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) ranged between plus 42¢ (17 micron in the North) through to minus 45¢ (19 micron in the West).
The crossbred market was mainly positive. The 37¢ (6.5%) increase in the Southern 26 micron MPG was a market highlight, only the 32 micron 10¢ loss in the same region preventing an across-the-board crossbred increase.
The carding market also recorded an overall gain, the three Merino Carding indicators (MC) rose by an average of 10.3¢ with Fremantle the stand-out with a 24¢ lift.
The weeks offering saw 49,029 bales available to the trade. This was 6,334 less than the 55,363 on offer in Week 6 last year. However, this week saw about 13k bales more on offer compared to the final sale before the break. Pass-in rates were up slightly to 9.0%. This resulted in 44,606 sold nationally, 11,000 more than the last sale this week and roughly 8,000 more than last season’s weekly average.
This week on Mecardo, Andrew Woods takes a look at Merino wool quality outlook, specifically fibre diameter and VM. (read here). The expected seasonal impact will see a move finer in the Merino fibre diameter. This means less broad Merino, more fine Merino and a lower clean fleece weight overall. VM levels remain at very high levels for adult merino fleece, although the seasonal pattern should start to alleviate this issue by September.
Next week
Next week is another reasonably large offering as wool accumulated during the break makes its way to auction. There are expected to be 46,874 bales on offer next week across Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
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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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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Quiet return for wool sales
The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 3¢ for the series, closing at 1,176¢/kg. With significant movement in exchange rates over the break, the EMI when expressed in US¢ dropped by 22 US¢, a 2.8% reduction. The AWEX Western Market Indicator (WMI) lost 7¢ to finish at 1332¢/kg.
AWEX report that the market movements were varied across different sectors, different types and different microns. In the merino fleece types the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) ranged between plus 42¢ (17 micron in the North) through to minus 45¢ (19 micron in the West).
The crossbred market was mainly positive. The 37¢ (6.5%) increase in the Southern 26 micron MPG was a market highlight, only the 32 micron 10¢ loss in the same region preventing an across-the-board crossbred increase.
The carding market also recorded an overall gain, the three Merino Carding indicators (MC) rose by an average of 10.3¢ with Fremantle the stand-out with a 24¢ lift.
The weeks offering saw 49,029 bales available to the trade. This was 6,334 less than the 55,363 on offer in Week 6 last year. However, this week saw about 13k bales more on offer compared to the final sale before the break. Pass-in rates were up slightly to 9.0%. This resulted in 44,606 sold nationally, 11,000 more than the last sale this week and roughly 8,000 more than last season’s weekly average.
This week on Mecardo, Andrew Woods takes a look at Merino wool quality outlook, specifically fibre diameter and VM. (read here). The expected seasonal impact will see a move finer in the Merino fibre diameter. This means less broad Merino, more fine Merino and a lower clean fleece weight overall. VM levels remain at very high levels for adult merino fleece, although the seasonal pattern should start to alleviate this issue by September.
Next week
Next week is another reasonably large offering as wool accumulated during the break makes its way to auction. There are expected to be 46,874 bales on offer next week across Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
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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.
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.
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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.