Price Watch™ provides real-time price assessments and price forecasts for Wool across top trading regions:
| Wool Regional Coverage | Wool Grade and Country Coverage | Wool Pricing Data Coverage Explanation |
| Asia Wool Pricing Analysis | Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), Australia | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Market Indicator Prices in Australia |
| 17 Microns Merino Wool, North Australia (Sydney) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Sydney, North Australia | |
| 17 Microns Merino Wool, South Australia (Melbourne) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Melbourne, South Australia | |
| 18 Microns Merino Wool, North Australia (Sydney) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Sydney, North Australia | |
| 18 Microns Merino Wool, South Australia (Melbourne) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Melbourne, South Australia | |
| 18 Microns Merino Wool, West Australia (Fremantle) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Fremantle, West Australia | |
| 19 Microns Merino Wool, North Australia (Sydney) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Sydney, North Australia | |
| 19 Microns Merino Wool, South Australia (Melbourne) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Melbourne, South Australia | |
| 19 Microns Merino Wool, West Australia (Fremantle) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Fremantle, West Australia | |
| 20 Microns Merino Wool, North Australia (Sydney) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Sydney, North Australia | |
| 20 Microns Merino Wool, South Australia (Melbourne) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Melbourne, South Australia | |
| 20 Microns Merino Wool, West Australia (Fremantle) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Fremantle, West Australia | |
| 21 Microns Merino Wool, North Australia (Sydney) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Sydney, North Australia | |
| 21 Microns Merino Wool, South Australia (Melbourne) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Melbourne, South Australia | |
| 21 Microns Merino Wool, West Australia (Fremantle) | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in Fremantle, West Australia | |
| Strong Wool Indicator, New Zealand | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Market Indicator Prices in New Zealand | |
| Middle East & Africa Wool Pricing Analysis | Wool SA Merino Indicator, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Market Indicator Prices in South Africa |
| Wool SA Merino Fleece MF4–MF5, 18.0 µ, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa | |
| Wool SA Merino Fleece MF4–MF5, 19.0 µ, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa | |
| Wool SA Merino Fleece MF4–MF5, 20.0 µ, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa | |
| Wool SA Merino Fleece MF4–MF5, 21.0 µ, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa | |
| Wool SA Merino Fleece MF4–MF5, 22.0 µ, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa | |
| Wool RWS Certified Merino Wool, South Africa | Weekly Price Update on Wool Real-Time Domestic Prices in South Africa |
Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions.
Wool Price Trend Q1 2026
In Q1 2026, the global wool market has shown robust growth, with major producing regions reporting significant gains. Australia’s EMI has strengthened, supported by strong export demand and tight supply, while South African Merino prices have surged since the season’s start, driven by global shortages and premium quality demand.
New Zealand Strong Wool has advanced, reflecting tight supply, growing international interest in sustainable fibres, and innovative end-use applications.
Across markets, ongoing competition, limited clip volumes, and premium positioning of certified sustainable wool have underpinned firm price momentum, while short-term supply and logistic challenges have moderated growth in certain months.
Overall, Q1 2026 has highlighted the resilience of wool as a high-value natural fibre, with global demand remaining strong and multi-year upward trends continuing.
Australia: Wool prices in Australia, Grade Eastern Market Indicator (EMI)
According to Price-Watch™, in Q1 2026, Australia’s wool price trend has been exhibiting strong momentum, with the Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) having been increasing quarter-on-quarter, reflecting robust global demand and tighter supply conditions.
In March 2026, wool prices in Australia have been further increasing month-on-month, supported by ongoing buyer competition for high-spec Merino clips, even as rising shipping and logistics costs driven by the Middle East conflict, along with increased supply in auction rooms easing competitive pressure, have been contributing to some modest market retracements.
Export demand from key markets such as China, combined with favorable currency dynamics, has been reinforcing overall market strength. Overall, Q1 2026 has been being characterized by a firm yet dynamic Australian wool market, where global demand pressures and supply constraints have been underpinning stable gains, while short-term challenges have been testing the market’s absorption capacity.
South Africa: Wool prices in South Africa, Grade SA Merino Indicator
In Q1 2026, South African SA Merino Indicator wool price trend has been surging quarter-on-quarter and since the start of the season, reaching near-record levels last seen in 2018. In March 2026, wool prices in South Africa have been firming further month-on-month, reflecting continued tight supply and strong international demand.
The rise has been being driven by global shortages, particularly from drought-impacted Australia, which has been redirecting buyers toward South Africa’s high-quality, niche Merino production.
Finer wool (<18 microns) has been remaining relatively stable, while bulk classes (18.5–21 microns) have been recording the sharpest gains, supported by intense competition at auctions where most lots have been selling consistently.
The prominence of certified sustainable wool, representing over 50 % of the supply, has been reinforcing market appeal, emphasizing premium quality and environmental credentials.
Limited local clip volumes, high classing standards, and robust global demand have been sustaining strong price momentum, showcasing the resilience and global significance of South African wool in early 2026.
New Zealand: Wool prices in New Zealand, Grade Strong Wool Indicator
In Q1 2026, New Zealand Strong Wool price trend has been surging quarter-on-quarter, reflecting tight global supply, rising international demand, and growing interest in sustainable natural fibres.
The market has been benefiting from strong overseas sales, with around 85 % of wool exported, and innovative applications such as carpets and acoustic panels have been driving premium pricing.
In March 2026, wool prices in New Zealand have been moderating slightly, increasing only marginally month-on-month, indicating a temporary stabilization as supply chains have been adjusting and buyers have been responding to previous quarter gains.
Overall, the sector has been remaining strong, with multi-year gains since 2022, supported by global moves away from petrochemical-based products, expanding end-use applications, and emerging markets like India having been providing further growth potential.
Strategic initiatives by organizations such as Wool Impact have been underpinning demand and have been sustaining price momentum.
