The latest statistics from the ABS on Australian wool exports show that both the volume and value of exports from Australia lifted in December. Wool export volumes increased by 6%, with exports to the Czech Republic up by 20% and exports to Italy 22% higher than a year earlier. For the first six months of the 2016/17 season (to December), the volume of exports was 7% higher at 156.4 mkg greasy. This was mainly due to a 14% lift in exports to China, which has brought China back up to the same level as in 2014/15. The export volumes to most other main destinations were down in the first six months, with a significant 39% drop in exports to Malaysia. Exports to India, the second largest destination declined by 11%. The value of wool exports from Australia increased by 12% in the first six months, to $1.46 billion. This is the highest total value for the first six months of the season since the 2002/03 season. The major driver of the increase in export value is China, with a 20% leap in export value to $1.11 billion. This is an all-time record value of wool exports to China from Australia for the first half of a season.

Full details including a chart showing the value of Australia's wool exports by destination for the past few seasons is included in the NCWSBA Weekly Newsletter for the week ending 10th February 2017, available to NCWSBA members.