The latest on the Australian wool market Week Eight, Season 2026/27, direct from the Elders wool team.
The Australian wool market has returned from the annual three-week mid-year recess this week to large falls. There was a total of 37,702 bales available to the trade.
The total number of bales offered this season is 151,902 bales. This is 7,931 bales less than the previous season, a drop of 5.0 per cent.
When the market opened in the Eastern centres it was immediately apparent that the prices being achieved were well below those on offer at the previous sales. The Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece dropped by between 16 and 107 cents for the day.
Understandably the passed in rate was higher than normal as many sellers were not prepared to accept the lower prices on offer. 28.2 per cent (pc) of the fleece failed to reach seller reserve and 19.5 pc of the total offering was passed in.
The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped by 51 cents for the day. This was the largest daily fall in the EMI since October 2020. This equated to a 2.7 pc drop. Currency played a part in the price reductions, but the EMI also fell in US dollar terms. The EMI dropped by 17 US cents, a 1.3pc drop.
On the second day only Sydney and Melbourne were in operation and the market settled to a degree. The prices on offer were generally close to those of the previous day, however the market did lose further ground overall. The movements in the merino fleece MPGs ranged between plus 6 and minus 56 cents.
The EMI dropped another 10 cents, and closed the week 61 cents lower at 1,812 cents, a weekly fall of 3.3pc. In USD terms the EMI fell by 28 US cents for the week, a reduction of 2.1pc.
Next week’s offering is forecast to reduce. There is currently expected to be 26,040 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
Table showing wool prices to 20 August 2026
Graph showing Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) to 20 August 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.