Eastern Market Indicator Falls to 1698¢

Australian wool prices eased this week as bale offerings and sales both declined from recent levels.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Isometric editorial illustration of a tall stack of raw wool bales on a timber warehouse floor beside an open doorway, in oxblood, mustard, and cream. — Australian wool prices slipped this week, with the Eastern Market Indicator falling 25¢ to 1698¢ as bale offerings dropped 10% and sales declined. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Eastern Market Indicator fell by 25¢ to 1698¢ in Australian Dollar terms this week. Bale offerings dropped 10% to 25,022, and 21,618 bales were sold.

Why it matters

The weekly fall in the Eastern Market Indicator signals softer pricing across Australia's wool market. Lower sales volumes relative to the past year point to reduced buyer activity.

The Eastern Market Indicator fell 25¢ to 1698¢ and 21,618 bales sold, 29% below the 12-month average. The data does not identify the drivers behind the decline or whether it will persist.

The details

The Sydney indicator fell 24¢ to 1787¢, Melbourne lost 26¢ to 1638¢, and Fremantle declined 15¢ to 1849¢. Within the merino and crossbred categories, 17 MPG merino fell 17¢ to 2543¢ in Sydney, while crossbred 28 MPG dropped 50¢ to 620¢. Wool reaching a 13.4% pass in rate did not reach reserve.

This week: Eastern Market Indicator fell 25¢ and 21,618 bales were sold.
Next week: Bale offering is projected to rise 23% to 30,919.
Next week, Tuesday and Wednesday: Auctions are scheduled in Sydney and Melbourne.
Next week, Tuesday: An auction is scheduled in Fremantle.

Market Landscape

This week's 25¢ fall in the Eastern Market Indicator continues the weekly series of wool price readings used across Australia's auction system. Placing it alongside the 29% shortfall in bales sold against the 12-month average shows sales activity running below its recent norm.

Lower wool prices reduce returns for growers selling into the auction system this week. Higher bale offerings next week may add supply pressure at the upcoming sales in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

The takeaway

Growers and buyers tracking wool returns should watch next week's auctions, as the projected rise in offerings could shape prices in the coming sales.

What happens next

Auctions are scheduled in Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, and in Fremantle on Tuesday, with bale offerings projected to rise 23% to 30,919.