The Australian wool market flashed red this week, with no positive indicators emerging across any selling centres. The Eastern Market Indicator fell 61¢ to 1456¢/kg clean, wiping out some of the gains made earlier in the season.
The national pass-in rate remained high, with a rate of 24.6%, with Fremantle again recording the heaviest resistance at 32%. Sydney and Melbourne followed at 27% and 20% respectively. Nationally, 37,919 bales were offered, with only 28,589 sold. Western prices mirrored the east, with the Western Market Indicator falling 68¢ to 1588¢/kg clean, its lowest level since July.
In the east, the 17 MPG fell 89¢ to 2083¢, the 18 MPG dropped 96¢ to 1932¢, and the 19 MPG lost 100¢ to 1751¢. The 19.5 MPG finished 84¢ lower at 1702¢, and the 28 MPG slipped 35¢ to 645¢. Cardings were also weaker, closing at 771¢ in the south and 829¢ in the north, down around 20 to 30¢ for the week.
In the west, prices mirrored the east with the 17.5 MPG down 87¢ to 1985¢, the 18 MPG 95¢ cheaper at 1920¢ and the 19 MPG off 88¢ to 1760¢.
The Australian dollar softened against most major currencies to US65.15¢ (-0.85¢), though it held steady against the New Zealand dollar following a rate cut by the RBNZ. Despite the weaker currency, exporter demand remained muted at current price levels. Nevertheless, the EMI sits 28% above year-ago levels in Australian dollar terms and 25% higher in US dollar terms.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods examined macroeconomic signals shaping near-term wool demand (see article here). He highlighted the inverted US 5-year yield as a lead indicator for firmer prices into autumn 2026, while also noting that improving German Ifo data continues to support the wool outlook.
Next week
Looking ahead, there are 40,124 bales (a similar bale count to the last two weeks), and sales will be held over Tuesday and Wednesday across all sale centres
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Wool market slides across the board
The national pass-in rate remained high, with a rate of 24.6%, with Fremantle again recording the heaviest resistance at 32%. Sydney and Melbourne followed at 27% and 20% respectively. Nationally, 37,919 bales were offered, with only 28,589 sold. Western prices mirrored the east, with the Western Market Indicator falling 68¢ to 1588¢/kg clean, its lowest level since July.
In the east, the 17 MPG fell 89¢ to 2083¢, the 18 MPG dropped 96¢ to 1932¢, and the 19 MPG lost 100¢ to 1751¢. The 19.5 MPG finished 84¢ lower at 1702¢, and the 28 MPG slipped 35¢ to 645¢. Cardings were also weaker, closing at 771¢ in the south and 829¢ in the north, down around 20 to 30¢ for the week.
In the west, prices mirrored the east with the 17.5 MPG down 87¢ to 1985¢, the 18 MPG 95¢ cheaper at 1920¢ and the 19 MPG off 88¢ to 1760¢.
The Australian dollar softened against most major currencies to US65.15¢ (-0.85¢), though it held steady against the New Zealand dollar following a rate cut by the RBNZ. Despite the weaker currency, exporter demand remained muted at current price levels. Nevertheless, the EMI sits 28% above year-ago levels in Australian dollar terms and 25% higher in US dollar terms.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods examined macroeconomic signals shaping near-term wool demand (see article here). He highlighted the inverted US 5-year yield as a lead indicator for firmer prices into autumn 2026, while also noting that improving German Ifo data continues to support the wool outlook.
Next week
Looking ahead, there are 40,124 bales (a similar bale count to the last two weeks), and sales will be held over Tuesday and Wednesday across all sale centres
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Data sources: AWEX, Mecardo
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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.