Week 45 - May 2026
Eastern Market Indicator (EMI)
Eastern Market Indicator (EMI)
Microns
AWEX Auction Micron Price Guides
Sales held Tue 5th May & Wed 6th May 2026
Offering (Aust. Only)
Offering (Aust. Only)
Sales Week 45: 7th May 2026
Currency Movements
Currency Movements
Sales Week 45: 7th May 2026
Forecast
Forecast
Scheduled Australian Wool Auction Sales
AWI Commentary
The Australian wool market saw a modest softening in AUD returns this week, with the EMI falling 11 cents and the WMI easing 3 cents. In USD terms, however, the market strengthened, with the EMI rising 15 usc/kg and the WMI gaining 24 usc/kg.
This divergence was largely currency-driven, as the Australian dollar broke above US 72 cents for the first time since 2022. The stronger AUD followed the RBA’s decision to raise the cash rate this week, alongside a softer USD.
The underlying bullish tone of the wool market remains intact. Rather than reflecting a shift in fundamentals, this week’s correction in AUD returns was primarily FX-driven, with the market absorbing the headwinds of a stronger Australian dollar and recording only a modest decline in local currency terms.
Fine Merino types (16.5–19μm) eased 10–15 cents, while medium Merinos (19.5–21μm) recorded larger losses of 20–25 cents. Crossbreds (26–32μm) performed more positively, lifting 10–15 cents, while Merino cardings gained 15–20 cents across the selling centres.
What was notable this week was the relative strength of the crossbred and oddments sectors. This may reflect increased demand for blended fibre applications and woollen-spinning inputs as processors seek lower-cost raw materials amid ongoing macro uncertainty.
The resilience of these sectors contrasted with continued weakness across lower-style Merino fleece types, reinforcing that buyer competition remains selective, with processors continuing to prioritise fibre specifications that deliver greater processing efficiency and consistency as manufacturing margins remain under pressure.
This week saw a reduced offering of 33,055 bales, with next week’s roster easing further to 31,329 bales. Fremantle will again hold a Tuesday-only sale, while Sydney and Melbourne will operate across Tuesday and Wednesday.
