The wool market rose again this week, building on successive weeks of gains. The EMI rose 30 cents ending the week on 1,964 ac/kg, while in USD returns the market saw a 22 usc/kg rise finishing on 1,407 usc/kg. There was no Fremantle sales this week due to the public holiday.

Fine Merino types (16.5–19µm) recorded a solid week, gaining 25–30 cents across the selling centres, with the strongest support evident in the broader fine wool range. Medium Merinos (19.5–21µm) attracted increased buyer competition, rising 35–40 cents and outperforming the finer microns. Crossbreds (25–32µm) also posted significant gains of 35–40 cents, continuing their recent positive momentum, while Merino cardings performed strongly, lifting 35–40 cents. The broad-based nature of the gains across the Merino, crossbred and carding sectors reflected strong competition throughout the market.

Beneath the positive market result lies an increasingly important structural story. Australian wool supply continues to track at low levels, with this week's offering the smallest seen in 12 months. Although next week's roster will increase with the return of Fremantle, available volumes remain subdued. As a result, buyers are operating in an environment where securing volume remains a key priority.

Within that broader supply-driven environment, buyer behaviour also pointed to an increasing preference for wool that delivers processing certainty. Benchmark specification fleece generally outperformed the broader Merino average, suggesting processors were willing to pay additional premiums for wool offering superior yield, consistency and manufacturing efficiency. As raw wool prices rise, the commercial cost of processing risk also increases, further supporting demand for higher-performing lots.

Next week sees Fremantle sales resume with a sole selling day on Wednesday while Sydney and Melbourne will operate on the Tuesday-Wednesday schedule.