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Australian wool market strengthens as prices surge this week

01 Mar '25
2 min read
Australian wool market strengthens as prices surge this week
Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

  • Australian wool market continued its upward trend this week, with Merino fleece prices rising by 15 to 30 cents per clean kilogram.
  • Strong demand, led by Chinese buyers, drove competition, while crossbred and carding wool prices remained steady.
  • Auction volumes are expected to stay below 40,000 bales due to reduced supply.
  • Market confidence is improving as overseas mills stabilise.
The Australian wool market continued its positive momentum this week, recording price gains across most wool types and descriptions. Strong competition, particularly in the Merino fleece sector, drove general price increases of 15 to 30 cents per clean kilogram. While crossbred and carding wool prices remained stable, the highest price points for the week were recorded at the close of sales.

The top three exporter traders played a crucial role in the market’s strong performance, with new forward contracts boosting demand. Reports suggest that overseas buyers followed the price trend upward, particularly in China, which dominated purchasing activity. Interest from other global markets was limited but present.

As the seasonal dispersal of wool nears completion, weekly auction volumes are expected to remain below 40,000 bales in the coming weeks. With fewer fresh shorn clips entering the market, grower-held wool in storage is becoming the only available source of additional supply. However, many growers may only release their wool if prices rise significantly.

The composition of wool available at auction has also been more diverse than usual, reflecting the ongoing drought conditions in many wool-growing regions. This has led to a decline in staple strength, increased vegetable matter content, and lower yields.

Despite these challenges, confidence is returning to the wool supply chain. Overseas mills and traders appear to have stabilised their losses from previous years, with financial books returning to balance. With an improving global economy, many in the industry are now looking ahead to new opportunities and a potential return to profitability.

Next week’s auctions will see 34,500 bales offered across all three selling centres on Tuesday and Wednesday.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)

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