Wool market carries confidence into final sale before Christmas

Australia’s wool market posted another strong performance this week, with all micron categories attracting solid support across the three selling centres.

According to AWI Commentary, the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) continued its upward trajectory, lifting to 1,542 ac/kg, now 35% higher year-on-year.

In US dollar terms, the EMI closed at 1,023 usc/kg, reflecting a 40% annual increase. The Western Market Indicator (WMI) also strengthened, rising 36c to 1,712 ac/kg, or 1,137 usc/kg in US dollar terms.

Price gains were consistent across the micron spectrum. Fine wools (16.5–19 microns) rose by around 30c, with the 17–18 micron range performing particularly well, recording average gains of 30–35c for the week.

Medium wools (19.5–22 microns) also climbed by approximately 30c, while crossbreds (25–32 microns) lifted by a more modest 10c. The cardings sector added a further 15c, rounding out a broadly positive week, as outlined in AWI Commentary.

The Australian dollar eased slightly to US$0.664, maintaining a firm underlying tone. A steady labour market and stable domestic data are supporting the currency, though softer GDP and inflation edging up to 3.8% continue to keep the Reserve Bank in a cautious stance.

This week’s national offering rose to 40,795 bales, up 23% from the previous sale and one of the few occasions this season in which volumes have pushed above the 40,000-bale mark.

Despite the increased supply, demand held notably firm. Clearance reached 94%, unchanged from the prior sale, signalling strong buyer appetite and confidence to absorb higher volumes at rising price levels.

As highlighted in AWI Commentary, the alignment of increased supply with firmer prices reflects a market operating with renewed momentum heading into the final selling weeks of the year.

Meanwhile, the AuctionsPlus Wool Offerboard continues to provide a valuable selling avenue for agents and growers. In November, more than 1,000 bales were sold through the platform, with more than 300 bales currently listed. National participation remains strong, with 43 broking firms and 48 buying companies registered to trade.

Since launching in 2013, the Offerboard has facilitated the sale of more than 220,000 bales, underscoring the growing role of online trading within the broader wool market.