The wool market moderated this week after its recent rally, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) easing 5 cents to 1,245 cents. The other indicators also cooled with the Northern Market Indicator (NMI) held at 1,282 cents, the Southern Market Indicator (SMI) at 1,220 cents, and the Western Market Indicator (WMI) at 1,400 cents. Reporting suggested that the decline reflects softer demand that occurred later in the week, particularly for finer Merino fleece, signaling potential caution among buyers after the recent gains in the market.
This week’s micron price guide highlights a divergence between finer and coarser wools. Finer Merino wools (16.5 to 19.5 microns) experienced consistent declines across the board, with 19.5 microns dropping the most, by 17 cents to 1,527 cents, and 16.5 microns quoted at 1,810 cents. The 17.5-micron category fell 12 cents to 1,675 cents, while 18.5 microns dropped 6 cents to 1,566 cents.
In contrast, crossbred wools (26 to 30 microns) showed resilience, with 26 microns rising 3 cents to 615 cents and 30 microns gaining 12 cents to 377 cents in the south. The Merino Cardings (MC) indicator lifted higher in the south and west while holding steady at 739 cents in the Melbourne sales, indicating stability in this segment despite the seasonal shift.
Auction offerings totalled 39,048 bales this week, with the national pass-in rate steady at 7.02% as growers resisted the easing market. Sydney’s pass-in rate was notably lower than in other centres at 5.4%.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods (see article here) analysed the factors driving Wool’s recent winning streak. He attributed the gains to a weaker Australian dollar against the US dollar since September. While noting an increase in the supply of 17-micron-and-finer wool this season, he highlighted a decline in 18-micron-and-broader volumes, which has pushed broader Merino prices higher since spring.
Next week
Next week’s wool sales will see all centres operating on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a total of 41,492 bales expected to be offered.
Crossbred and then merino prices have staged strong recoveries during the past 18 months. In 2025 international trading patterns were thrown into uncertainty by US
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.
Wool market loses heat
This week’s micron price guide highlights a divergence between finer and coarser wools. Finer Merino wools (16.5 to 19.5 microns) experienced consistent declines across the board, with 19.5 microns dropping the most, by 17 cents to 1,527 cents, and 16.5 microns quoted at 1,810 cents. The 17.5-micron category fell 12 cents to 1,675 cents, while 18.5 microns dropped 6 cents to 1,566 cents.
In contrast, crossbred wools (26 to 30 microns) showed resilience, with 26 microns rising 3 cents to 615 cents and 30 microns gaining 12 cents to 377 cents in the south. The Merino Cardings (MC) indicator lifted higher in the south and west while holding steady at 739 cents in the Melbourne sales, indicating stability in this segment despite the seasonal shift.
Auction offerings totalled 39,048 bales this week, with the national pass-in rate steady at 7.02% as growers resisted the easing market. Sydney’s pass-in rate was notably lower than in other centres at 5.4%.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods (see article here) analysed the factors driving Wool’s recent winning streak. He attributed the gains to a weaker Australian dollar against the US dollar since September. While noting an increase in the supply of 17-micron-and-finer wool this season, he highlighted a decline in 18-micron-and-broader volumes, which has pushed broader Merino prices higher since spring.
Next week
Next week’s wool sales will see all centres operating on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a total of 41,492 bales expected to be offered.
Have any questions or comments?
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Click on graph to expand
Data sources: AWEX, AWI, Mecardo
Categories
Have any questions or comments?
Market eases on the back of tighter economic conditions
This week the Australian dollar (AUD) hit its highest rate against the US Dollar (USD) since May 2022, at 0.725¢, on the back of the
Merino RWS Premiums
In March Mecardo looked at how RWS premiums for crossbred wool had revived from their low levels of 2023-24. Given the magnitude of the rise
Prices flat as offering increases
The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) fell relatively flat this week, up only 2¢ to 1897¢ after price rises for Crossbred wool and Sydney fine merino
Wine, fine merino wool and cashmere prices
Crossbred and then merino prices have staged strong recoveries during the past 18 months. In 2025 international trading patterns were thrown into uncertainty by US
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.