Uruguay Wool Prices Hold Firm as Export Value Jumps 32%
Uruguay wool prices remain firm as export value jumps 32% to US$125 million in 2026, driven by strong demand from China and Italy. The post Uruguay Wool Prices Hold Firm as Export Value Jumps 32% appeared first on The Rio Times .
In August 2026, Uruguay's wool prices remained steady despite record expectations at the start of the new season. China and Italy continued to be the primary buyers, resulting in a significant increase in export earnings. The local market actively traded certified Merino wool lots, with prices for 18-micron wool at US$10.30 per kilo greasy.
Finer wool, such as 17.5, 18.5, and 19.2 microns, ranged from US$9.50 to US$11.00 per kilo. Coarser wool, like 24 to 25 microns, was traded at US$4.00 to US$4.50 per kilo. The Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL) reported twelve wool deals in the week, though no total tonnage was disclosed. Despite the continuous trading, no price slump was observed.
The new zafra, or annual wool season, began with high prices in July 2026, with references exceeding US$11.00 per kilo greasy for certified 17- and 18-micron wool. The 2026/27 season saw price increases ranging from 36% to 81%, depending on fineness. Superfine wool, below 16.5 microns, averaged US$9.74 per kilogram. Uruguayan wool exports in 2026 to date totaled 24.6 million kilos, up 3.4%, and were worth US$125 million, up 32%.
China accounted for 58% of the value, while Italy made up 12%. The season just ended witnessed price growth between 36% and 81%, depending on fineness. Overall, the sheep sector experienced export earnings growth of almost 40%, encompassing both wool and sheepmeat.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
