The wool market has maintained its steady start to the new selling season, posting its second consecutive weekly rise. The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) closed 4 cents higher at 1212 cents per kilogram. Volumes remained modest, with 29,275 bales offered nationally, of which 26,943 found buyers. The national pass-in rate edged up slightly to 8.0 %.
In Sydney, merino fleece attracted solid bidding, with the 17 micron guide lifting 25 cents to 1688 cents per kilogram, while 17.5 micron gained 17 cents to 1650 cents. Melbourne showed similar firmness, although price movements were smaller, ranging between unchanged and up 14 cents for most micron categories. Fremantle was more mixed, with the 18, 20, and 21 micron types finding support late in the day, while broader microns slipped slightly.
Crossbreds eased from recent highs, unable to maintain the momentum seen earlier in winter. The 28 micron indicator in Melbourne managed a 10-cent gain to close at 490 cents, but other crossbred categories were generally unchanged or slightly lower.
Amid the Reserve Bank’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the Australian dollar fell slightly against the US dollar this week. Volatility in currency saw the biggest change in buyer momentum last season and the latest iteration of trade debates is likely to provide a platform for more volatility again.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods recapped the 2024/25 wool season (see article here). He highlighted the 11.8 % fall in farm-tested volumes amid dry conditions and softer demand. While tight supply helped lift prices for superfine and broader merino wool, mid-micron types struggled under weaker apparel markets. In the season, crossbred wool defied the trend, with both volumes and prices higher, reflecting firmer demand in those categories.
Next week
Looking ahead, with only Sydney and Melbourne operating next week as Fremantle takes a recess. Current rosters show that around 23,990 bales will be offered for sale
The wool supply chain operates on averages for expected production in terms of quality. Quality varies through the season normally, with staple strength and vegetable
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.
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.
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.
Volumes remain modest, but dollar help could be on the way?
In Sydney, merino fleece attracted solid bidding, with the 17 micron guide lifting 25 cents to 1688 cents per kilogram, while 17.5 micron gained 17 cents to 1650 cents. Melbourne showed similar firmness, although price movements were smaller, ranging between unchanged and up 14 cents for most micron categories. Fremantle was more mixed, with the 18, 20, and 21 micron types finding support late in the day, while broader microns slipped slightly.
Crossbreds eased from recent highs, unable to maintain the momentum seen earlier in winter. The 28 micron indicator in Melbourne managed a 10-cent gain to close at 490 cents, but other crossbred categories were generally unchanged or slightly lower.
Amid the Reserve Bank’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the Australian dollar fell slightly against the US dollar this week. Volatility in currency saw the biggest change in buyer momentum last season and the latest iteration of trade debates is likely to provide a platform for more volatility again.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods recapped the 2024/25 wool season (see article here). He highlighted the 11.8 % fall in farm-tested volumes amid dry conditions and softer demand. While tight supply helped lift prices for superfine and broader merino wool, mid-micron types struggled under weaker apparel markets. In the season, crossbred wool defied the trend, with both volumes and prices higher, reflecting firmer demand in those categories.
Next week
Looking ahead, with only Sydney and Melbourne operating next week as Fremantle takes a recess. Current rosters show that around 23,990 bales will be offered for sale
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: AWEX, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Staple strength in the eastern Australian states
The wool supply chain operates on averages for expected production in terms of quality. Quality varies through the season normally, with staple strength and vegetable
Wool finds relief after a long month
The wool market found renewed life this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) lifting 6¢ to 1419¢/kg, while in US dollar terms it slipped
Wool supply update
Greasy wool supply is top of mind in the upper stages of the supply chain as mills balance low stocks, potential increases in demand, and
The wool unwind continues
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
Want market insights delivered straight to your inbox?
Sign up to the mailing list to get regular updates to new analysis and market outlooks
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.
SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES STATEMENT BROCHURE
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.