• Linkdin
Maximize your media exposure with Fibre2Fashion's single PR package  |   Know More

Australian wool market struggles amid lower auction volumes

25 May '23
2 min read
Pic: Shutterstock
Pic: Shutterstock

Insights

  • Despite the ongoing downward trend in the Australian wool market, China's largest top maker is increasing purchases, offering a glimmer of hope.
  • Current uncertainties are impacting all wool types, with prices depreciating and merino wool bearing the brunt.
  • Apparel sales are rebounding globally, notably outpacing pre-COVID levels in several markets.
Despite lower volumes at Australian wool auctions this week, the downward trend in the wool market remains unaffected. The prevailing uncertainty has impacted all types and descriptions on offer. Buyers, hesitant to fully participate, caused prices to depreciate throughout selling. The merino wool segment bore the brunt of this trend, although crossbred wool and carding types were slightly less impacted.

Over the past few weeks, confidence has dwindled in the market, causing a self-perpetuating negative spiral. Currently, the absence of a clear directive from overseas trading partners is catalysing reactionary price behaviour, the Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) said in its commentary for sale week 47 of the ongoing Australian wool marketing season.

However, there was a ray of hope from this week’s activity as China's largest top maker not only maintained but increased its usual weekly percentage of purchases, particularly in the Merino fleece sector.

Contrary to the current greasy wool auction results, apparel sales in key global markets, including the US, Germany, South Korea, Italy, and France, are making a strong rebound. These markets are witnessing sales well above the levels seen in 2022 and also exceeding the pre-COVID influenced years. However, the traditional and voluminous suiting market in Japan is still lagging behind. In China, retail garment sales are showing a robust rebound with both March and April 2023 sales comfortably outpacing 2022 numbers and even surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the AWI commentary said.

While recent price degradation might be concerning, the consistent demand signals a promising long-term outlook. Shipping containers are still steadily moving to manufacturing destinations, which signifies that upstream users continue to appreciate the value and benefits of Australian wool. However, the spot price is currently struggling, reflecting the effort to clear the backlog of the supply chain, especially at the greasy and wool top level, AWI added.

There are 47,000 bales on offer next week, with sales being conducted over 3 days, Tuesday through to Thursday.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)

Leave your Comments

Esteemed Clients

Woolmark Services India Pvt. Ltd.
Weitmann & Konrad GmbH & Co. KG
VNU Exhibitions Asia
USTER
UBM China (Shanghai)
Tuyap Tum Fuarcilik Yapim A.S.
TÜYAP IHTISAS FUARLARI A.S.
Tradewind International Servicing
Thermore (Far East) Ltd.
The LYCRA Company Singapore  Pte. Ltd
Thai Trade Center
Thai Acrylic Fibre Company Limited
X
Advanced Search