Merino wool prices have been rising steadily over the past six months in both A$ and US$, but Crossbred wool prices have been sliding and Merino carding prices have been moving sideways at historically high levels. It is interesting to see what has happened to prices for competing fibres.

After an extended period of low prices, cotton prices have been rising in the past three months as supply becomes more constrained due to lower production. Viscose prices have been volatile in the 18 months shown in the chart, but have been more stable at higher levels in recent months. In contrast, prices for both polyester staple fibres and acrylic fibres remain low, although acrylic fibre prices appear to have started to recover a little. The market for synthetic fibres in general remain over supplied with excess production capacity around the world continuing to put downward pressure on prices.

Full details including a chart showing the trends in prices for wool, cotton, acrylic and polyester staple fibre and the price relativity between wool and these competing fibres are contained in this week's NCWSBA Weekly Newsletter. Available to NCWSBA members.