The latest on the Australian wool market Season 2025/2026 Week 45, direct from the Elders wool team.
A strengthening Australian dollar (AUD) weighed heavily on the Australian wool market this week, contributing to an 11 cent loss in the AWEX EMI.
The benchmark indicator had been threatening to breach 1,900 cents but ultimately closed the two day series at 1,886 cents. The AUD rose on the back of a lift in the official cash rate, pushing it through 72 US cents for the first time since 2022.
Volumes continue to be constrained with only 33,055 bales offered nationally including a one day Fremantle sale. On the opening day, all three centres were in operation.
Main buyer attention continued to focus on the good/best style types, carrying less than 1.0per cent vm, particularly those with favourable additional measurement results. As these lots were in short supply, they performed best in what was an erratic market, with positive and negative movements across the merino fleece range.
By the end of the day, the Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged between plus 30 and minus 29 cents. Stronger crossbred and oddment markets helped to minimise the damage to benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) which fell by the barest of margins.
On the second day, it was just Sydney and Melbourne selling and prices continued to deteriorate. In the merino fleece MPGs the movements ranged between unchanged and minus 26 cents. In a repeat of the previous day, a strengthening in the crossbred and oddment sectors prevented the EMI from falling more than it did. The EMI dropped by 10 cents.
Due to the strengthening of the AUD, when viewed in US dollar (USD) the market movements were positive. The EMI added 6 US cents on the first day and 9 US cents for the second, closing the series 15 cents higher at 1,367 cents.
Next week’s offering is forecast to fall again slightly. There is expected to be 31,329 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
Table showing wool prices to 7 May 2026
Graph showing Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) to 7 May 2026
For full details of auction sales, download the reports below.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is given for the purpose of providing general information only, and while Elders has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in its preparation, many factors (including environmental and seasonal) can impact its accuracy and currency. Accordingly, the information should not be relied upon under any circumstances and Elders assumes no liability for any loss consequently suffered. If you would like to speak to someone for tailored advice relating to any of the matters referred to in this article, please contact Elders.
Read previous reports
Wool market update 1 May
Wool market update 24 April
Wool market update 17 April