The wool market eased again this week, marking a fourth consecutive week of decline, albeit at a slower rate than previous weeks, as the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) fell 14¢ to 1413¢/kg clean. In US dollar terms, the EMI lifted 5¢ to 933¢ as the Australian dollar softened. The national offering totalled 33,535 bales, with 29,468 bales sold at a pass-in rate of 12.1%.
Fine wools were again the weakest performing category, though losses were more moderate than in recent weeks. In Sydney, the 17 MPG fell 33¢ to 1992¢ and the 19 MPG lost 19¢ to 1713¢. Melbourne showed similar patterns, with the 18 MPG easing 25¢ to 1866¢. Broader Merinos found some stability, with the shining lights being the 20 and 21 MPGs gaining 4¢ and 6¢ to 1660¢ and 1658¢ respectively, while the 28 MPG lifted 3¢ to 653¢.
Out west, Fremantle fared slightly better, with the 18 MPG at 1855¢ down 20¢ and the 19 MPG at 1724¢ down 12¢, as buyers remained selective amid a smaller catalogue. The Western Market Indicator closed 9¢ lower at 1560¢. Cardings outwest also weakened a further 20¢ to 753¢.
It is worth noting, AWTA testing continues to lag last season, with volumes down 16% year-on-year and offerings tracking 4% lower. Vegetable matter remains low nationwide, averaging under 2%, with Western Australian fleece at just 0.8 per cent. While production is trending lower, steady auction throughput and higher pass-in rates suggest short-term supply remains comfortable. Buyer sentiment is cautious, but recent trade talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit have lifted optimism for improved export demand ahead.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looked beyond wool to cotton (see article here). He found that global cotton stocks-to-use remain high at ~60%, with half held in China. Cotton holds just under 40% of the staple fibre market, and its price ratio to polyester sits near two. He noted that these factors keep cotton prices low, unlike wool’s firmer position. He concluded that while cotton faces oversupply and synthetic competition, wool must sustain its premium through traceability, performance, and sustainability.
Next week
Next week, 34,598 bales are rostered for sale across all centres, with auctions scheduled to run on Wednesday and Thursday.
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The wool unwind continues
Fine wools were again the weakest performing category, though losses were more moderate than in recent weeks. In Sydney, the 17 MPG fell 33¢ to 1992¢ and the 19 MPG lost 19¢ to 1713¢. Melbourne showed similar patterns, with the 18 MPG easing 25¢ to 1866¢. Broader Merinos found some stability, with the shining lights being the 20 and 21 MPGs gaining 4¢ and 6¢ to 1660¢ and 1658¢ respectively, while the 28 MPG lifted 3¢ to 653¢.
Out west, Fremantle fared slightly better, with the 18 MPG at 1855¢ down 20¢ and the 19 MPG at 1724¢ down 12¢, as buyers remained selective amid a smaller catalogue. The Western Market Indicator closed 9¢ lower at 1560¢. Cardings outwest also weakened a further 20¢ to 753¢.
It is worth noting, AWTA testing continues to lag last season, with volumes down 16% year-on-year and offerings tracking 4% lower. Vegetable matter remains low nationwide, averaging under 2%, with Western Australian fleece at just 0.8 per cent. While production is trending lower, steady auction throughput and higher pass-in rates suggest short-term supply remains comfortable. Buyer sentiment is cautious, but recent trade talks between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit have lifted optimism for improved export demand ahead.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods looked beyond wool to cotton (see article here). He found that global cotton stocks-to-use remain high at ~60%, with half held in China. Cotton holds just under 40% of the staple fibre market, and its price ratio to polyester sits near two. He noted that these factors keep cotton prices low, unlike wool’s firmer position. He concluded that while cotton faces oversupply and synthetic competition, wool must sustain its premium through traceability, performance, and sustainability.
Next week
Next week, 34,598 bales are rostered for sale across all centres, with auctions scheduled to run on Wednesday and Thursday.
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: Mecardo, AWI, AWTA, AWEX
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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.