AWI Wool Market Report

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Report Date: 25th September 2026

AWI Commentary

The Australian wool market recorded a modest decline this week, the first auction following the Nanjing Wool Market Conference. A total of 27,667 bales was offered nationally, 725 fewer than the previous week, with 25,364 bales sold. The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) fell 12 cents to close at 1,845 A¢/kg. In US dollar terms the EMI declined 14 cents to 1,310 US¢/kg, with the AUD relatively steady at 71.02 US cents.

Tuesday opened with mixed results. Merino categories in the Eastern centres ranged between 23 cents cheaper and 16 cents dearer, while Fremantle was generally 9–16 cents lower, apart from 18.5 micron which gained five cents. Wednesday again produced a variable market, with prices moving between 24 cents dearer and 36 cents cheaper and the EMI losing a further 10 cents.

Fine, well-specified wool continued to outperform broader or poorer-style descriptions, with strong competition on 18.5 micron and finer better-style and better-specified wool. Poorer specified and 19 micron and broader descriptions generally eased.

Traders were again the main competition, although Chinese processor support became noticeably stronger through the second day. European buyers were also prominent on superfine types. The carding sector was the standout, with strong demand for Merino locks lifting the three regional carding indicators by an average 31 cents.

The national pass-in rate for the week fell to 8.3%, indicating that grower price expectations were selective rather than broad-based. This suggests some sellers continued to hold wool above prevailing market levels, particularly where reserve expectations remained anchored to recent higher prices.

Overall, this week highlights that caution remains, although the increased presence of Chinese processors later in the sale provides some evidence of underlying demand returning at selected price and quality levels. With the Week 14 offering forecast to rise to around 31,886 bales, the larger catalogue will provide another test of post-Nanjing buying appetite.