The Australian wool market eased this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) falling 10 cents to 1,876 ac/kg clean, while the USD-denominated EMI mirrored this movement, also declining 10 USc to 1,358 USc/kg clean. The Western Market Indicator (WMI) recorded the largest regional correction, falling 22 ac/kg and 19 USc/kg.

Across the catalogue, Merino fleece softened, particularly through the medium Merino segment where buyer resistance was most evident. Fine Merino types (16.5–19.0μm) generally eased by 15–20 cents, while the broader medium Merino categories (19.5–21.0μm) experienced heavier losses of 25–30 cents across most selling centres. Despite the softer tone in fleece wool, the market remained selective rather than broadly weak.

Crossbred wool (25–32μm) continued its recent positive momentum, posting gains of 20–25 cents in several categories, with Southern 25 micron rising as much as 50 cents on the week. Carding indicators also strengthened, increasing between 5 and 18 cents depending on region, highlighting continued demand for lower-cost processing and blending wool. The resilience in these broader wool types helped offset further downside pressure in the Merino fleece market and prevented a larger fall in the EMI.

The market is not retreating from wool broadly —buyers are instead becoming more selective at current fine wool price levels. This week’s result suggests mills are rotating into cheaper fibre blend categories such as crossbreds and cardings while resisting expensive fine Merino purchases, reflecting ongoing manufacturing margin pressure and a preference for lower input risk. The continued strength of the Australian dollar is also providing additional headwinds for exporters and offshore buyers, adding further caution to purchasing activity.

Next week has 31,334 bales of wool, with Fremantle selling Tuesday only while Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday – Wednesday.