NCWSBA prsident John Colley.

PREMIUMS for non-mulesed wool sold in Australian auctions are rising and becoming substantial for some Merino wool, according to data released by the Australian Wool Exchange.

The National Council of Wool Selling Brokers of Australia yesterday said it was vital that all Australian wool producers were informed of the rising premiums.

The statistically-sound data showed that the premiums for non-mulesed wool sold via auction averaged between 13 and 30 cent/kg in 2016/17 for Merino wool 21 microns and finer, the council said. This is up from between 1 and 15 cents/kg 2015/16 and from between -3 and 16 cents/kg back in 2010/11.

NCWSBA president John Colley said the data was an important piece of information for Australian wool growers, confirming the market feedback of rising interest in non-mulesed wool among retail brand companies in using non-mulesed wool in their product ranges.

“These premiums are averaged across all wool sold in Australia by micron category. NCWSBA is aware of much higher premiums being offered by some companies for specific contracts.

“I hope that these premiums begin providing an incentive to producers of non-mulesed wool and offsetting the increased cost of moving away from mulesing,” he said.

NCWSBA also noted that discounts are emerging for lots of Merino wool that do not have a National Wool Declaration.

NCWSBA and its members encourage all producers to declare their wool, regardless of mulesing status of their wool. The council said it is vital that buyers of Australian wool, including the retail brand companies, know where the largest and most important wool industry in the world stands.

“NCWSBA members are aware that overseas mills are seeking mulesing status declarations for Crossbred wool as well as for Merino wool, so it is important for all producers to declare their wool,” Mr Colley said.

NCWSBA represents the majority of Australian wool brokers, with members accounting for over 87 percent of wool sold at auction in Australia in 2016/17. It is the only national organisation representing Australian wool brokers in Australia and internationally. More details about the organisation can be seen at www.woolbrokers.org.

Source: NCWSBA.