Sellers reduced the offering in response to the recent weaker market, however the falling prices continued, with the only positive movements recorded in the Crossbred section.
The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) this week fell by 10ȼ to sit at 1186 ȼ/kg, while in US $ terms it was also easier giving up 5ȼ to sit at 779 ȼ/kg.
Prices continued their downward trend in all selling centres this week. Finer Merino fleece wools (16.5μm) continue to be out of favour with Merino skirtings following the trajectory of the fleece sector. Crossbreds had a solid week with all MPGs posting positive gains. The national offering contracted this week, with 37,757 bales offered for sale (12,148 bales fewer than last week). The national pass-in rate lifted 1.7% to 9.6%.
Andrew Woods this week looks at the profile of the New Zealand wool clip (read here). New Zealand is the big broad crossbred wool producer and exporter, as well as having a good quality merino clip which is similar in size to the New England regional clip. So, it is valuable to know what is going on in terms of production and price across the Tasman Sea.
While for the bulk of the New Zealand crossbred clip, Australian production is insignificant, there is a point of crossover for 30 micron and finer, where supply from both countries is of interest. For merino production, New Zealand production is of interest for the 17-micron and finer, as it is the equivalent of a large region of good quality production such as New England in NSW (plus Traprock for the Queenslanders). Supply is an important driver of relative prices (premiums and discounts) in the greasy wool market, so the New Zealand supply is important for these categories.
Sales resume on 30 January with 36,535 bales currently rostered for sale.
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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Softer wool market
Prices continued their downward trend in all selling centres this week. Finer Merino fleece wools (16.5μm) continue to be out of favour with Merino skirtings following the trajectory of the fleece sector. Crossbreds had a solid week with all MPGs posting positive gains. The national offering contracted this week, with 37,757 bales offered for sale (12,148 bales fewer than last week). The national pass-in rate lifted 1.7% to 9.6%.
Andrew Woods this week looks at the profile of the New Zealand wool clip (read here). New Zealand is the big broad crossbred wool producer and exporter, as well as having a good quality merino clip which is similar in size to the New England regional clip. So, it is valuable to know what is going on in terms of production and price across the Tasman Sea.
While for the bulk of the New Zealand crossbred clip, Australian production is insignificant, there is a point of crossover for 30 micron and finer, where supply from both countries is of interest. For merino production, New Zealand production is of interest for the 17-micron and finer, as it is the equivalent of a large region of good quality production such as New England in NSW (plus Traprock for the Queenslanders). Supply is an important driver of relative prices (premiums and discounts) in the greasy wool market, so the New Zealand supply is important for these categories.
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Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: AWEX, Mecardo
Categories
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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
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Steady as she goes to wrap up 2025
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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With the last wool auction sales being held this week in Australia, and South Africa auctions already in recess, it is timely to look at
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Independent analysis and outlook for wool, livestock and grain markets delivered to you as it’s published
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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.