Business & Rural
17 February, 2026
WOOL REPORT: market bouncing back after losses
There were 38,736 bales available to the trade, 4846 bales fewer than in the previous sale, which was the largest sale of the previous 12 months.
THE Australian wool market bounced back from the losses experienced during the previous series, recording an overall increase across both selling days.
There were 38,736 bales available to the trade, 4846 bales fewer than in the previous sale, which was the largest sale of the previous 12 months.
Of the bales on offer 37,466 was sold, meaning just 3.3 per cent failed to reach seller reserve, again highlighting the fact that most sellers have been prepared to meet the current market levels.
On the opening day of selling, the market recorded healthy rises in the merino fleece sector. The Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for 19.5 micron and finer rose between 5 and 44 cents.
The skirtings also recorded rises, generally in line with the fleece. The crossbreds recorded very little change, while the oddments recorded further rises. The result of these market movements was a 10-cent rise in the benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), the EMI finished the day at 1,675 cents. Due to a small fall in the AUD compared to the USD the EMI finished the day unchanged.
On the second day of selling only Sydney and Melbourne were in operation, meaning there was a smaller volume of wool available to the trade for the day.
The market generally maintained the levels on offer of the previous day, although there were a few selected MPGs across the centres that lost ground. The EMI added 2 cents for the day, finishing the week 12 cents higher, closing at 1,677 cents.
The USD EMI had another unchanged day, finishing where it started, 1,177 cents. The oddments have now risen for every week of the current calendar year.
This series the three Merino Carding (MC) indictors rose by an average of over 14 cents.
This week’s offering is of a similar size. The is currently expected to be 37,971 bales on offer nationally.
Glendon Hancock
0429 829 613
Glendon.Hancock@elders.com.au
Read More: St Arnaud