The Australian wool market continued its positive run this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) finishing 16 cents higher. Melbourne and Sydney recorded strong opening days before slightly weaker second selling days later in the week. The Northern Indicator closed 26 cents dearer, while the Southern Indicator finished 8 cents higher. Fremantle was less supported, recording small losses in AUD-denominated returns.

A stronger Australian dollar provided some headwinds for exporters; however, in USD terms the EMI and WMI rose by 35 US cents and 25 US cents respectively.

The eastern selling centresoutperformed Fremantle across most Merino fleece categories, reflecting stronger buyer competition across the larger eastern catalogues. Despite the firmer currency creating some pressure for exporters, underlying demand remained solid, as reflected in the stronger USD returns.

Performance across the selling centresvaried through the Merino fleece categories. Finer Merino types in the eastern markets gained 30 to 35 cents, while Fremantle recorded a modest easing of 5 to 10 cents. Medium Merino fleece in Sydney and Melbourne rose 10 to 15 cents, while the west saw reductions of 10 to 15 cents.

Merino cardings led the gains, averaging 25 to 30 cents higher across all three centres. In contrast, crossbred types continued to ease, losingaround 15 to 20cents.

Premiums continued to favour high strength, well-styled fleece with low vegetable matter.

An increased offering of 45,476 bales came forward this week as sellers responded to the continued strength of the market.

The clearance rate eased to 92.8%, suggesting some seller resistance to current price levels, although the market continues to perform strongly despite the firmer currency and ongoing global trade uncertainty.

Next week’s national offering is expected to total 42,953 bales, with all three centresreturning to theTuesday–Wednesday selling schedule.