The wool market extended its early-season rally this week, with the EMI rising 30¢ to 1,291¢/kg clean. In US dollar terms, the benchmark added 24¢, sitting 200¢ above the same week last year. The national catalogue was just 29,594 bales, with 27,583 sold and only 2.8% passed in, highlighting strong competition in a market constrained by limited supply.
Merino fleece was firmer across all microns. The fine end added more than 20¢, with Melbourne’s 17.5 MPG lifting 45¢ to finish at 1,747¢, while Fremantle saw the 18 MPG rise 31¢ to 1,666¢ and the 18.5 MPG climb 39¢. Broader types from 19.5 through to 21 MPG also gained 20–30¢, pushing most indicators well above their five-year averages.
Crossbreds continued to build momentum, the 28 MPG lifting up to 30¢ to 546–558¢ and the 30 MPG adding as much as 37¢ to finish at 470–487¢. The standout, however, was the carding sector. All three merino carding indicators surged, rising between 15¢ and 33¢ to close at 742–789¢. The Southern MC in particular jumped 33¢, underlining demand for locks, crutchings and stains alongside the broader rise.
This is the seventh consecutive weekly rise in the EMI, with supply still the clear driver. Just 27,583 bales were sold this week, below the five-year average of 29,653 for this point in the season, and national offerings remain below 30,000 bales, which is exceptionally low for this time of year. Drought conditions, particularly in the south, are playing the biggest role in reducing availability, while high sheep meat prices are also encouraging stock to move out of wool production, and looming live export bans in WA are adding further pressure. While prices may push higher in the short term, demand remains fragile and currency moves continue to influence buyer behaviour. Still, the EMI and all MPGs are well above last year.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods gave an update on the South African wool clip (see article here). At around 13% of Australia’s clip in clean terms, it remains an important indicator of global supply. He analysed how the South African clip is weighted to the broader end of the merino spectrum, in contrast to Australia’s increasingly fine-skewed production, and with more than half now RWS accredited, it has become a central source of certified wool for international buyers
Next week
Looking ahead, next week’s national catalogue is again expected to fall short of 30,000 bales, with 28,447 scheduled across the three centres. Melbourne and Sydney will sell on Tuesday and Wednesday, whilst Fremantle will offer on Tuesday
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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Wool’s win streak continues to the 7th week
Merino fleece was firmer across all microns. The fine end added more than 20¢, with Melbourne’s 17.5 MPG lifting 45¢ to finish at 1,747¢, while Fremantle saw the 18 MPG rise 31¢ to 1,666¢ and the 18.5 MPG climb 39¢. Broader types from 19.5 through to 21 MPG also gained 20–30¢, pushing most indicators well above their five-year averages.
Crossbreds continued to build momentum, the 28 MPG lifting up to 30¢ to 546–558¢ and the 30 MPG adding as much as 37¢ to finish at 470–487¢. The standout, however, was the carding sector. All three merino carding indicators surged, rising between 15¢ and 33¢ to close at 742–789¢. The Southern MC in particular jumped 33¢, underlining demand for locks, crutchings and stains alongside the broader rise.
This is the seventh consecutive weekly rise in the EMI, with supply still the clear driver. Just 27,583 bales were sold this week, below the five-year average of 29,653 for this point in the season, and national offerings remain below 30,000 bales, which is exceptionally low for this time of year. Drought conditions, particularly in the south, are playing the biggest role in reducing availability, while high sheep meat prices are also encouraging stock to move out of wool production, and looming live export bans in WA are adding further pressure. While prices may push higher in the short term, demand remains fragile and currency moves continue to influence buyer behaviour. Still, the EMI and all MPGs are well above last year.
This week in Mecardo, Andrew Woods gave an update on the South African wool clip (see article here). At around 13% of Australia’s clip in clean terms, it remains an important indicator of global supply. He analysed how the South African clip is weighted to the broader end of the merino spectrum, in contrast to Australia’s increasingly fine-skewed production, and with more than half now RWS accredited, it has become a central source of certified wool for international buyers
Next week
Looking ahead, next week’s national catalogue is again expected to fall short of 30,000 bales, with 28,447 scheduled across the three centres. Melbourne and Sydney will sell on Tuesday and Wednesday, whilst Fremantle will offer on Tuesday
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Data sources: AWEX, AWI, Nutrien Ag Solutions, 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.