This currency weakness boosted the attractiveness of
Australian wool to foreign buyers, with the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI)
closing at 1,186 cents. While this reflects a 4¢ weekly reduction, it marks a
42¢ gain from the same period last month, highlighting currency-induced
strength over fundamental demand shifts which sees buyers jumping in while it’s
good value. The USD 21 MPG remained steady this week, while the 28 MPG traded
within the AUD 370–380 range.
Despite a market lull, this
week 46,004 bales were sold, which marked the highest weekly total since April
2024. This robust trading activity during a cyclical low suggests buyers and
sellers are finding comfort at current price levels. Given that supply pressure
has not triggered a downturn, this is providing some reassurance amid ongoing
uncertainty.
On a similar note, Merino fibres experienced modest losses in AUD terms this
week. The movements in the MPGs for Merino fleece ranged between + 7 and -34¢. Results
were mixed for Crossbreds, but 25 & 26MPGS notably lost 11 and 15¢ this week,
respectively. The market is still in a holding pattern, with buyers and sellers
cautiously assessing the global political and economic landscape. The coming
period will be important in deciding whether this stability will translate into
renewed price momentum or further consolidation.
While demand remains a key factor, supply-side
dynamics also play a crucial role in shaping the wool market. Andrew Wood’s
market analysis of the Chinese sheep flock and wool clip highlights a potential
shift in the supply-demand balance (read here). While the Chinese sheep
flock has grown, the fine wool component of the clip has been declining for the
last decade.
Shear stability despite currency fluctuations
Next week
This coming week, the Australian wool market will likely see reduced activity due to the Chinese Spring Festival and the suspension of South African wool auctions. Despite these factors, Australian wool auctions will proceed with a modified schedule (Tuesday and Thursday), expected to offer approximately 34,565 bales.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: AWEX, AWI, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Merino wool price cycles
Merino (and crossbred) wool prices appear to be working through the bottom of a price cycle, driven by weak economic conditions in Europe and China
Supply pressure spooks sellers
It can be difficult to see the forest for the trees at times, particularly when the details have presented the best opportunities for wool sellers
The market continues positive start to 2025
This week’s market continued to show stronger prices despite the increased bales on offer as sellers responded to the rising market. The Eastern Market Indicator
AWTA volumes – east looks normal and the west continues to downsize
It is not hard to find doom and gloom commentary about the wool industry, which is fairly typical of the wool and sheep industries swinging
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