Prices surged on the back of a rising Australian market. The all-merino indicator gained 5,7% to close on R263,60/kg, with the certified indicator rising by 6,4% to close on R269,68 p/kg. A highest price of R372,37/kg (clean – R255,00/kg greasy) was paid for a single bale lot of 15,5-micron merino wool, said Cape Wools.
Long, certified fleece wool of 18-micron and a tensile strength of 35 (NKT) sold on average for R295/kg (clean), 8,6% up, according to BKB’s analysis. The highest price on the OVK auction was R313.99/kg (clean) for a bale of AH of 8,7-microns from the clip of WD Strauss, from Philippolis.
The major buyers were Standard Wool SA (2 261), BKB Pinnacle Fibres (2 159), Tianyu SA (2 098) and G Modiano SA (1 568).
The Australian market built on the good performance of the previous week and gained a further 3,8% in Australian dollars, compared to the previous sale held on 15 April. This, according to Australia Wool Innovation (AWI) marked a third consecutive sale of rising prices. Year-on-year, the index now sat 53.8% higher in Australian dollar terms, and 74% higher in US dollars, underlining the depth of demand supporting the market, AWI said.
Fine wools again led the market, with finer merino fleece types (16,5 to 19 micro) posting gains in the order of 90 to 95 cents. Medium merino categories (19,5 to 24 micron) followed closely, adding 85 to 90 cents. Merino cardings also recorded solid gains.
A reduced offering, down 11 099 bales on the previous sale, contributed to the price gains, with strong competition for well-prepared clips. Clearance rates remained above 97%, highlighting continued buyer willingness to meet the market and secure volume.
The market was being underpinned by a tightening supply and sustained demand, with little evidence of buyer resistance. While the short-term outlook remained positive, maintaining momentum would depend on developments in the uncertain global economic environment.
The next sale in South Africa will be on 6 May 2026, when approximately 7 028 bales will be on offer.
