It is time for an update on the trends in prices for the major competing fibres with wool. While Australian wool prices have pulled back from the heights over the past 6-9 months, prices for the other major competing fibres have also seen declines, in general continuing the slide seen since the first half of 2018.

For synthetic fibres, prices for all three fibres have fallen since mid-2018, although acrylic fibre prices have turned down again after a rebound earlier this year. The decline in synthetic fibre prices is due to a combination of excess capacity and weaker demand, notably in China. Cotton prices have fallen back probably as a result of higher production expected in 2019/20. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) this week predicts that global cotton production will increase by 6% in 2019/20. While ICAC expects that global cotton consumption will lift by 1.7% in 2019/20, this will be swamped by the increased production. Global stocks of cotton will lift sharply as a result.

Full details including a chart showing the trends in prices for wool, cotton, polyester staple, acrylic and viscose is provided in this week’s edition of the Weekly Newsletter. Available to NCWSBA members.