Fashion
Australian wool lifts this week on strong demand, tighter supply
Fine wools between 16.5 and 19 microns led the rally, lifting around 15 cents on average, while medium microns (19–22 microns) also strengthened by 10–15 cents. Crossbred wools remained the only soft spot, easing 5 cents as the market enters the peak supply period for this category. Carding types held firm with gains of about 10 cents, the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) said in its commentary for week 23 of the current wool marketing season.
Australia’s wool market strengthened this week, with the EMI rising 17 cents to 1,521 AC/kg and surpassing US$10 for the first time since October.
Fine and medium microns gained up to 15 cents, while crossbreds softened.
Tight supply, reflected in AWTA’s double-digit testing declines, and strong buyer demand lifted clearance rates to 95 per cent.
Auction dynamics also tilted in sellers’ favour. Offerings fell 15 per cent for the week, but the clearance rate rose to 95 per cent, signalling strong competition despite a strengthened Australian dollar. The AUD gained ground even with softer GDP data, supported by US dollar weakness. Although a higher AUD often pressures export competitiveness, buyer demand remained resilient.
Latest November data from Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) continued to underline the tight supply backdrop bolstering prices. Wool tested during November fell 14.2 per cent year on year, while season-to-date volumes from July to November were 10.4 per cent lower. AWTA has tested 116.5 million kilograms so far this season, compared with 130.1 million kilograms a year earlier, the AWI commentary added.
Next week, 41,383 bales are rostered for sale, with all three centres operating on a Tuesday–Wednesday schedule.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)