This week’s selling saw the Australian wool market push higher again, consolidating on last week’s strong gains. As with last week, the majority of the rise was recorded on Tuesday, with solid but more cautious buying activity into the second day of selling. Overall, prices strengthened across both days, with the EMI finishing 41 cents dearer at 1,689 c/kg clean, while the WMI gained 32 cents to close at 1,878 c/kg clean.​

Both Merino and crossbred wools found solid support this week, with gains recorded across the catalogue. Fine Merino fleece (≤19.0µm) lifted by 30 to 35 cents, while medium Merino types (19.5–24.0µm) finished 25 to 30 cents dearer. Crossbred wools recorded a particularly strong result, ending the week 35 to 40 cents higher, with cardings improving by 15 to 20 cents.​

Buying support this week was led primarily by the Australian export sector, reflecting strong offshore order coverage through the main fleece, skirting and oddment categories. The presence of direct Chinese buying activity, alongside broad exporter competition, reinforced a confident demand tone and helped maintain upward price momentum across the sales. ​

The Australian dollar continued to firm this week, with AUD/USD trading near 0.68, supported by improved risk sentiment and a steady RBA policy outlook. A stronger AUD may temper some export-side price support, however currency conditions remain broadly favourable for demand.​

This week’s offering rose to 43,497 bales, the largest of the season to date, as sellers responded to the strong pricing seen across all micron categories in the new year. Despite the increased supply, the market was able to absorb the volume and continue to push higher, supported by a high clearance rate reflecting solid engagement from both buyers and sellers. Next week’s sale will again feature an elevated offering of 43,997 bales, and the market’s ability to maintain current levels will provide an important indicator of offshore support and buyer depth, particularly ahead of the mid-February auction recess for the Chinese New Year which will further tighten short-term availability.​

Next week’s sale days change to Wednesday/Thursday to accommodate the Monday Australia Day Public holiday.