Latest news with #AustralianWoolInnovation
Fibre2Fashion
a day ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Australia's Merino wool prices ease amid tight supply, stronger AU$
Merino wool prices weakened at Australian auctions this week as extremely low supply volumes failed to support existing price levels. A stronger Australian dollar (Au$)—up 0.7 per cent against the US dollar and 0.5 per cent against the Chinese yuan—added further pressure to the local market environment. However, in both foreign currencies, the wool market showed slight gains of 0.4 to 0.5 per cent, suggesting demand is attempting to align with limited supply, the Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) said in its commentary for week 50 of the current wool marketing season. Exporters reported mounting difficulty in securing profitable sales. While Chinese buying persisted, it lacked the usual breadth. Nevertheless, top-making demand from China picked up, with the two largest buyers accounting for over 30 per cent of Merino fleece sales. Indian interest waned over the past fortnight, and European purchasing remained minimal, focused only on high-quality segments. Merino wool prices declined at Australian auctions due to extremely low supply and a stronger Australian dollar, despite slight gains in US and Chinese yuan terms. Exporters reported profitability challenges, with weaker demand from India and Europe, though Chinese top-maker interest remained strong. Crossbred and carding wools outperformed, rising 10â€'20 cents. Amid fragile global trade sentiment, buyers were reluctant to stockpile inventory, leading to reduced competition for less desirable wool types. However, strong top-maker activity in China helped support pricing for these lots. In contrast, crossbred and carding wool types defied the downtrend, with prices rising by 10 to 20 Australian cents across most categories, despite the adverse currency movements, the AWI commentary added. Grower willingness to sell remained firm, with only 8.3 per cent of lots passed in and clearance rates exceeding 90 per cent. Next week's offering is expected to total approximately 22,000 bales. Fremantle will not hold a sale, instead building supply for Week 52. Auctions in Sydney and Melbourne are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, though with reduced catalogue sizes. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)
Fibre2Fashion
30-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Australian wool auctions see stable prices amid weak trading margins
This week's Australian wool auctions concluded with minimal movement in prices, as a calm auction environment and a stable Australian dollar kept the market steady, according to Australian Wool Innovation (AWI). Despite firm competition from China's top wool processor and select Indian and Chinese buyers, price adjustments were negligible. Australian wool auctions remained stable this week amid calm trading and a steady AUD. Despite firm competition, prices saw little change, with select high-quality lots fetching up to 10 per cent premiums. Exporters face tight margins, and declining bale volumesâ€'down 10â€'15 per centâ€'are impacting the wider industry. Around 23,600 bales are set for auction next week. 'Some notable prices were paid this week, notwithstanding the general unchanged nature of the market. These prices fetched around 10 per cent premiums and almost predominantly for the highest accreditation sale lots or the best quality and properly prepared wools on offer. This was on wools testing from 14.4 micron right through to 20 micron, although quantity limited,' the AWI commentary on week 48 of the current Australian wool marketing season said. Offshore demand held the market steady, but exporters reported increasingly tight margins, with some trades near break-even or loss-making. The subdued conditions are affecting all segments of the local wool industry, from growers to brokers and logistics providers, as bale volumes continue to decline by an estimated 10 to 15 per cent. With inflation impacting the broader economy, local supply chain players face limited scope to lower costs for clients. Instead, business owners are focusing on internal savings to remain viable. Approximately 23,600 bales are scheduled for auction next week, with Fremantle not offering due to seasonal constraints. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
West Australian
15-05-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Australian Wool Innovation survey set to determine the group's focus for the next six months
Australian sheep producer confidence slumped this time last year and it is now time to determine whether this sentiment has changed in the face of continuing harsh weather conditions and industry uncertainty. Australian Wool Innovation's Sheep Producer Intentions Survey is open for responses throughout May to do exactly this. Data collected will help analysts improve analysis and forecasts, and will be used as a tool when developing Meat amd Livestock Australia programs, to ensure adoption and communication efforts match industry sentiment. The SPIS is conducted in two waves each financial year — one in October and one in May. The surveys ask producers for their sentiment towards the sheep and wool sectors, current flock demographics and future intentions. In the May 2024 report, weather was noted as having the most impact on on-farm decision making for wool, lamb and sheep meat producers in Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. Meanwhile, WA results noted personal circumstances as a larger decision driver. Personal circumstances included age, workload and succession and were pronounced in regions experiencing prolonged uncertainly. In WA's case, the ban on live sheep exports explained uncertainty sentiments. More than 2000 producers Australia-wide participated in the May survey. As a result of the survey findings, MLA noted personal considerations as an area where the industry may need to place more focus to ensure the longevity and succession of the sector. According to the October 2024 survey findings, negative sentiment dropped a marginal 2 per cent. Results from past reports can be viewed on the Meat & Livestock Australia website .
