The Australian Wool Production Forecasting Committee’s (AWPFC) first forecast of shorn wool production for the 2026/27 season is 243.9 million kilograms (Mkg) greasy. This is 4.5% lower than the 2025/26 forecast. Committee Chairman, Stephen Hill said that “Seasonal conditions continue to challenge sheep enterprises in key wool producing regions, particularly in New South Wales, Tasmania and southern Queensland. W... Read More

According to March Market Report released by AWI the Australian wool market has shown a firmer tone through March, with increased buyer activity and strengthening competition – particularly from China – lifting prices off recent lows. There is also a renewed sense of optimism returning to the market, underpinned by improving demand and tightening supply. Stronger engagement from China has been a key driver. Accor... Read More

The strong demand for British wool in the second half of 2025 has continued into 2026. There has been further improvement and clearances have been high. This will be welcome news to all members. With the improved prices set to support improved member returns this year. Since September, values have risen by 40%. Average auction prices are now at the highest level since 2015. Andrew Hogley, CEO, said: “Global de... Read More

This week, the Australian wool market finished slightly higher, following successive weeks of strong gains. The EMI closed 2 cents dearer at 1,897 ac/kg, while USD returns eased modestly, down 6 usc to 1,352 usc/kg. The WMI finished lower on its single selling day, losing ground for the first time in seven selling days. It closed 11 ac/kg lower at 2,114 ac/kg and 16 usc lower at 1,507 usc/kg. A slightly softer US... Read More

Prices in the British Wool sale on 28th April were generally firm sale on sale with a virtually full clearance. Bidding was slightly hesitant for the first few lots but became more confident as it became clear that prices were holding steady with the previous sale. It should be noted that a significant number of the lots in the offer were below the usual size and that the offer included several once per year spec... Read More

The 95th IWTO Congress: 24-26 June in Dalang, China. Welcome to the World’s Wool Knitwear Capital! The 95th IWTO Congress will take place 24–26 June 2026 in Dalang, home to over 28,000 wool textile businesses. Members-only Working Group meetings will take place 23 June. Optional Extras include an Industry Visit and Dinner on 26 June and Scenic Tour on 27 June. Online participation is available for all Congress... Read More

The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) has opened industry consultation for the 2026 Review of the National Wool Declaration (NWD), inviting stakeholders across the wool supply chain to provide feedback. The Review will be conducted through an Industry Consultative Committee (NWD ICC), chaired independently by Chris Murphy, and will assess whether the NWD and its Integrity Program remain fit for purpose and aligned wit... Read More

How emerging innovators are turning industry exposure into real-world impact.At ITMA 2023, 15 start-ups were selected for the CEMATEX Start-Up Grant to showcase their technologies at Start-Up Valley, a dedicated platform connecting emerging innovators with the global textile and garment manufacturing industry. For many of these young companies, participation went far beyond exhibition visibility. It provided direct ... Read More

In our previous article, we explored how startups at ITMA 2023 Start-Up Valley gained visibility and early recognition within the global textile community. Initial exposure, however, is only the starting point. What ultimately defines success is what happens next — how quickly start-ups move from initial interest to real-world application, integration and commercial growth. The next group of start-ups from ITMA 2023... Read More

The spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank are typically defined by careful language and cautious forecasts. Inside the IMF’s Washington headquarters, the mood is more unsettled than usual. Until recently, the IMF’s chief economist, Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, had been preparing to edge up his global growth forecast for 2026 from 3.3% to 3.4%. Then the Middle East conflict escalated, the Strait of Hormuz closed an... Read More

NZ Strong wool is now being used as a pigment in screen printing for a new clothing range. Wool Source, a Christchurch-based ingredients manufacturer turning wool into new applications, has developed a world-leading patented technology to convert strong wool into a colourant for use in screen printing inks. Wool Source Pigments are ethically sourced, renewable and traceable pigments with 97- 98% biobased carbon c... Read More

China’s economy grew faster than expected in the first three months of the year, even as countries around the world feel the impact of the US-Israel war with Iran. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 5% in the period, compared to a year earlier,  according to official data. Economists had expected the figure to come in at around 4.8%. That came despite the conflict in the Middle East, which started on 28 Februar... Read More

When Woolroom received an unexpected order from NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it sparked a deeper look into one of wool’s most remarkable qualities: natural fire resistance. As NASA prepares a high-oxygen test mission, wool stood out as a flame-resistant bedding material that meets strict safety standards—without chemical flame retardants. Discover why wool’s unique structure makes it a safer, low-toxicity choice for... Read More

Do Not Disturb Sleep Company has signed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar ‘brand licensing and supply agreement’ to take New Zealand-made sleep products to the USA. Do Not Disturb makes pillows, duvets and sleep masks in their Auckland workroom from Wisewool™ and other natural materials. The deal takes owner Chris Larcombe closer to his mission of stopping the world from sleeping in plastics. His Chicago base... Read More

Shares in footwear brand Allbirds famous for its wool content — once favoured by high-profile figures including actor Ben Affleck and former US President Barack Obama — surged last week after the company announced a dramatic shift from shoes to artificial intelligence (AI). The San Francisco-based company revealed a $50 million (£37 million) deal to transform itself into an “AI compute infrastructure” business un... Read More