Crossbred wool prices

Crossbred wool prices have endured a torrid time since 2020. Unlike merino, crossbred prices did not bounce back strongly in 2021 following the initial impact of the pandemic, instead remaining at depressed levels. In happier news this season prices have rebounded, which is what this article looks at.

Ultrafine wool update

It is a year since Mecardo last looked at the very fine edge of the merino micron distribution in terms of price and volume. Quite a lot has changed in the greasy wool market since mid-2025, and no doubt it will continue to change, so it seems timely for an update on ultrafine wool.

International sheep meat supply and lamb price

Sheep meat prices (a weighted average of lamb and mutton) in 2026 are tracking at their best levels in deflated terms at least since 1980, even better in deflated US dollar terms. With this in mind, this article takes a look at the bigger picture background to the Australian sheep meat market.

What could wool production look like in the coming years?

A Mecardo reader asked for wool production projections in 2028, all things being equal. That last phrase is problematic, as all things are not stable in the world even before considering seasonal conditions. In the spirit of accepting a challenge this article looks at some recent trends in the Australian merino production.

An update on oil and fibre prices

The continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and consequent fluctuation of oil prices (at elevated levels compared to 2025) has maintained the disruption to parts of the economy dependent on oil and energy prices. This article takes another look at the impact on apparel.

Merino RWS Premiums

In March Mecardo looked at how RWS premiums for crossbred wool had revived from their low levels of 2023-24. It is timely to check how RWS premiums are tracking for merino wool.

Wine, fine merino wool and cashmere prices

Crossbred and then merino prices have staged strong recoveries during the past 18 months. It seems timely to see how other luxury commodities are faring amongst this economic flux.

A look at cyclical price peaks in the merino market

Given the rapid change in wool prices this season it is time to look at the recent price rises and how they stack up against history.

Varying estimates of the Australian sheep flock

There is always some variation between flock size estimates, depending on various factors. However the current situation has a 10 million head difference between the main estimates, which is a large variation.

Oil and fibre prices

Armed conflict around Iran and the consequent choking of freight from the Persian Gulf has driven oil prices to high levels. This article takes a look at what is happening to apparel fibre prices.

Merino micron premiums and discounts

The difference in price across merino micron categories in percentage terms is low at present. It is time to check in what is going on with merino producers.

Crossbred RWS premiums and volumes

Crossbred prices have recovered a lot of the price lost in 2019-2023 in both Australian and US dollar terms.