After returning from the annual three week Christmas recess, the Australian wool market has made a very positive start to the 2025 calendar year.
Many industry observers predicted a strong opening, with these predictions based on the deterioration of the Australian dollar (AUD) over the Christmas recess. The AUD lost 1.36 cents compared to the US dollar (USD) since the previous sale (18 December 2024). With the majority of Australian wool traded in US dollars this was bound to have a direct impact on the market.
These predictions were quickly realised as the market opened, with sharp rises across all merino types and descriptions recorded.
The market quickly found an increased level, and then generally maintained it all the way to the final hammer in the Western region. By the end of the first day, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece has risen by between 11 and 55 cents.
The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 34 cents. This was the largest daily rise in the EMI since February 2023, when the EMI rose by 44 cents.
The second day the market quickly found the levels set on the previous day and generally maintained these price points until the end of the day. This meant the market recorded only small movements across the country.
This was reflected in the EMI which added just 2 cents for the day. The EMI finished the series at 1190 cents, a rise of 36 cents. The EMI is now at its highest point since January last year.
With currency playing such a large role in the market movements, when viewed in US dollar terms the rise in the EMI was less impressive. The EMI closed the week 7 US cents higher at 737 US cents.
Next week’s national offering is forecast to rise. There is expected to be 48,930 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
Table showing wool prices for Season 2024/25, Week 29
Graph showing Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) to 17 January 2025
For full details of auction sales, download the reports below.
Disclaimer – important, please read:
The information contained in this article is given for general information purposes only, current at the time of first publication, and does not constitute professional advice. The article has been independently created by a human author using some degree of creativity through consultation with various third-party sources. Third party information has been sourced from means which Elders consider to be reliable. However, Elders has not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee its accuracy. Links or references to third party sources are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of material by third parties or any associated product or service offering. While Elders has exercised reasonable care, skill and diligence in preparation of this article, many factors including environmental/seasonal factors and market conditions can impact its accuracy and currency. The information should not be relied upon under any circumstances and, to the extent permitted by law, Elders disclaim liability for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance upon the information contained in this article. If you would like to speak to someone for tailored advice specific to your circumstances relating to any of the matters referred to in this article, please contact Elders.