Improved outlook for wool as 2026 prices rise
© Tim Scrivener Wool prices are averaging £1.70/kg after the first four auctions of the 2026 selling season, up 70p/kg on the same point last year as demand for British crossbred wool strengthens.
The volume of new season wool sold to date, at 3,000t, is also slightly ahead of last year.
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Andrew Hogley, chief executive of British Wool, said the latest results demonstrate the market’s continued recovery.
“British Wool has seen a significant price recovery over the last nine months with global demand for cross-bred wool competing for supply.
“Auction prices are around 70% higher than 12 months ago in both the UK and in New Zealand.
“It is very encouraging to see consistent demand for British wool and the market holding steady at this much higher level,” said Mr Hogley.
All core wool types are selling at significantly higher prices and clearances in the past three sales have averaged close to 90%, indicating demand remains strong.
The average price at auction is currently 35p ahead of the overall average for the 2025 season, which British Wool says provides a positive outlook for producers.
British Wool’s average producer payment rose 20p to 68p/kg for the 2025 clip, the highest level in 10 years.
The outlook for the 2026 clip is a further 25-30p/kg, meaning some 2026 clips could be worth more than £1/kg.
Reaching farmers
The National Sheep Association (NSA) has welcomed the news that the recovery in prices is reaching farm businesses.
“For many flocks, shearing has been an essential welfare job done at a loss,” said Phil Stocker, chief executive at the NSA.
“Two seasons ago, the average payment was 40p/kg. There is now a real prospect of £1/kg for core types. The 2026 clip could be the one where a fleece pays for its own shearing.”
Expected values for the 2026 clip range from 66p/kg for Welsh wool to £1.28/kg for Cheviot cross fleece, compared with 27p/kg to 83p/kg respectively in 2025.
Cheviot cross, Cheviot, Romney and Mule wool are expected to achieve returns of more than £1.15/kg.
Even traditionally lower-value hill wools are forecast to see notable increases, with Welsh wool expected to record the largest proportional improvement, more than doubling its value compared with last season.
