AUSTRALIAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT
Comment
Australian wool auctions delivered a very positive market this week, with outcomes shaped by currency movements, measured demand, and continued constraints on supply. Results across Sydney, Melbourne, and Fremantle highlighted an ongoing divergence between well-prepared, certified wool and lower-quality or inconsistent offerings. Demand was once again quality-driven rather than volume-led, with buyers selective across all three selling centres. Certified and traceable clips attracted consistent competition. RWS-certified wool performed well where style, preparation, and strength aligned, while Authentico® wool continued to draw interest from buyers servicing premium Italian and European manufacturing pipelines. These segments demonstrated greater price resilience relative to non-certified equivalents, reflecting longer-term supply commitments and brand-driven procurement strategies. Supply remains structurally tight. Reduced flock numbers and seasonal interruptions continue to cap offering volumes, particularly of higher-quality fleece wool. While total bales offered met expectations, the availability of well-classed, certified wool remained limited, intensifying competition when such lots appeared. Certified wool continues to establish itself as a core component of Australian auction demand. RWS-certified clips align strongly with brand-led procurement programs, particularly those seeking independently audited animal welfare assurances. Authentico wool, with its emphasis on transparency, grower accountability, and fibre performance, remains closely linked to premium processing destinations. As buyer requirements evolve, Australian auction results increasingly show clear differentiation for certified wool, both in competition and price resilience, compared with non-certified offerings of similar micron.
16.5–18.5 micron Merino
Fine Merino wools were well supported, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. Demand centred on sound, low-VM fleece with good colour and measured strength. Certified fines were keenly sought after, with RWS lots in particular attracting multiple bidders.
19–21 micron Merino
This segment remained one of the market’s more stable performers. Strong demand was evident for stylish fleece wools suited to midweight apparel programs. Fremantle offerings were more variable in quality, with premiums paid for length, brightness, and certification. Authentico wool in this range continued to be well aligned with buyer expectations.
AWEX Eastern Indicator compared with 27/03/26
Eastern Indicator
Close: 1786
Change in % +3.5
Authentico Index Values
15 Micron
Close: 3196
Change in %: +3.9
16 Micron
Close: 2719
Change in %: +1.5
17 Micron
Close: 2657
Change in %: +2.8
18 Micron
Close: 2526
Change in %: +2.5
19 Micron
Close: 2390
Change in %: +2.4
Authentico Indicator
Close: 2657
Change in %: +2.5
Forecast
No market next week, due to the Easter Recess. The market will resume week commencing Monday 13th April, 2026.
The near-term outlook suggests a continuation of selective auction results, heavily influenced by currency and quality. Supply constraints should continue to provide underlying support, particularly for fine to medium Merino wools and certified lots. However, broader market confidence is likely to remain measured until greater clarity emerges in downstream retail demand.
Auction offering – current week
| Market | Sale | Offered | Sold | Passed In |
| North | S 40 | 9862 | 9737 | 1.3% |
| South | M 40 | 19407 | 19067 | 1.8% |
| West | F 40 | 6983 | 6798 | 2.6% |
Auction offering – next week
| Market | Sale | Sale days | Volume |
| North | RECESS | ||
| South | RECESS | ||
| West | RECESS |
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