AUSTRALIA’S forward wool market has been active since 21 May, with 40,000kg traded across the 18, 19 and 28 micron contracts.

Most of the activity was in 19 micron, which accounted for 25,000kg of the reported trades. Buyers are still prepared to transact, but pricing remains below the current physical market.

For July 2026, the 19 micron contract traded at 2295c/kg, October 2026 at 2205c/kg and later 2225c/kg, and November 2026 traded at 2180c/kg.

With the latest AWEX eastern average 19 micron MPG at 2389c/kg, the forward market is still carrying a clear discount into spring and late 2026.

Auction report

The wool market was stronger in the latest AWEX report, with the EMI up 54 cents to 1934c/kg.

The strength was broad-based across the eastern centres. The northern Indicator lifted 47 cents to 2005c/kg, while the southern Indicator rose 58 cents to 1886c/kg and western indicator lifted 39 cents to 2125c/kg.

AWEX reported strong demand for Merino fleece, particularly 18.5 micron and broader in the north, while the southern 17.5 micron and broader MPGs generally lifted 20 to 40 cents.

Selected AWEX East average MPGs were 17 micron at 2660c/kg, 18 micron at 2580c/kg, 19 micron at 2389c/kg, 20 micron at 2187c/kg and 21 micron at 2155c/kg.

Source – Southern Aurora Markets.