Australian wool market eases in 2026-27 season opening

Australia’s wool market opened the 2026-27 selling season weaker, giving back part of its recent advance as buying interest was not enough to offset pressure from fresh offerings. The Eastern Market Indicator closed 39 cents lower at 1,904 A¢/kg, while in US dollar terms it ended 30 cents lower at 1,312 US¢/kg.The first day of sales accounted for most of the decline. In the Western region, where sales were held on one day only, the market finished 57 cents lower at 2,072 A¢/kg, or 43 US cents lower at 1,427 US¢/kg, the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) said in its commentary for the first week of the new wool marketing season.

Australia’s wool market opened 2026-27 lower, with the EMI down 39 cents at 1,904 A¢/kg after most losses came on the first sale day.
Fine and medium Merino prices weakened, while crossbred types were mostly steady to slightly dearer.
Buyers stayed selective, keeping support on better style, low-VM wool; 31,583 bales are listed next week.

Fine Merino types were under the heaviest pressure across the catalogue, with most indicators easing by about 60 to 65 cents across selling centres, AWI said in its Week 01 market report. Medium wool generally declined by 55 to 60 cents, while crossbred types were mostly unchanged to slightly dearer, including some indicators up by about 5 cents. Merino cardings softened by about 20 to 25 cents.

The report linked the softer tone to higher new-season offerings, selective buying and wider discounts on lower-specification wools. Better style, low-VM types continued to attract support, but buyers were more selective across the wider catalogue, limiting upside after the recent run.

Testing data also showed lower throughput. Total weight tested in June 2026 was 2.35 per cent below June 2025, while the July 2025 to June 2026 progressive total was 8.03 per cent below the same period last season. AWTA Ltd has tested 271.7 million kg this season, compared with 295.4 million kg in the equivalent period last season.

Next week, 31,583 bales are scheduled for auction, with Sydney and Melbourne selling Tuesday-Wednesday and Fremantle on Tuesday only.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk