Uruguay · AGRIBUSINESS
Key Facts
- —Export value Wool exports to August 2026 reached US$125 million, up 32% year on year.
- —Export volume Uruguay shipped 24.6 million kilos of wool in 2026 to date, up 3.4%.
- —Top destinations China took 58% of export value, Italy 12%.
- —Fine wool prices Certified 18-micron Merino traded at US$10.30 per kilo greasy in early August.
- —Superfine trend Wool below 16.5 microns averaged US$9.74 per kilo for the season just ended.
Even as the new season opens with record expectations. China and Italy remain the top buyers of Uruguayan wool, driving a sharp rise in export earnings.
Uruguay wool prices held firm in early August 2026, with active demand moving the local market, according to Blasina y Asociados. The market note, dated 3 August, reported certified Merino lots trading at US$10.30 per kilo greasy for 18-micron wool.
Active Demand in the Local Market
However, Uruguay wool prices remained firm and actively traded in the week to 3 August 2026, according to Blasina y Asociados. The firm’s headline read “Active demand is moving wool business in the local market.
Certified Merino, greasy basis, saw 18-micron wool at US$10.30 per kilo. Lots around 19.5 microns fetched US$9.50, while 20-micron wool reached US$8.50.
Wool above 21 microns traded at US$7.15 per kilo. Coarser crossbred and Corriedale lots of 24 to 25 microns were referenced at US$4.00 to US$4.50.
In addition, the SUL reported a dozen wool deals in that week, though no total tonnage was published. Meanwhile, the market remained active, with certified Merino lots trading at firm prices.
Steady Prices Ten Days Later
By 13 August, Uruguay wool prices were still paying similar money, reported Actualidad Agropecuaria. Merino lots of 17.5, 18.5 and 19.2 microns changed hands between US$9.50 and US$11.00 per kilo greasy.
One meat-breed crossbred lot sold at US$2.00 per kilo for the fleece plus US$0.50 for the belly wool. The lots were small: 5,000 kg, 2,000 kg and 4,000 kg of Merino and 4,000 kg of crossbred wool.
In addition, the Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana (SUL), the Uruguayan Wool Secretariat, reported a dozen wool deals in that week. It did not publish a total tonnage.
However, these small lots show that demand remained steady, even for coarser wool. As a result, the market held firm without any price slump.
New Season Opens With High Prices
The new zafra, the annual Uruguayan wool season, opened at high prices in July 2026. El Observador Agro reported references above US$11.00 per kilo greasy for certified 17- and 18-micron wool.
Corriedale lots around 28 microns started at US$2.00 to US$2.25 per kilo. The 2026/27 season began with expectations of holding record prices, according to El Observador Agro.
For the season just ended, prices rose between 36% and 81% depending on fineness. Superfine wool, below 16.5 microns, closed averaging US$9.74 per kilogram.
Meanwhile, the season just ended saw prices rise between 36% and 81% depending on fineness. In addition, superfine wool below 16.5 microns averaged US$9.74 per kilogram.
Exports Jump 32% in Value
Wool exports in 2026 to date reached 24.6 million kilos, up 3.4%, worth US$125 million, up 32%. China took 58% of the value and Italy 12%, according to El Observador Agro, citing the SUL.
The breakdown shows greasy wool exports of 9.5 million kilos, down 15%, but worth US$51.2 million, up 39%. Scoured wool exports rose 31% in volume and 79% in value to US$26.3 million.
Meanwhile, tops, combed and scoured wool sliver, reached 8.1 million kilos, up 11%, for US$47.4 million, up 45%. Italy took 30% of tops value and Germany 15%.
In addition, the sheep sector as a whole saw export earnings grow almost 40%, covering wool and sheepmeat. However, the 2026 export figures are partial, running to August only.
Global Benchmark Points Higher
The Eastern Market Indicator, published by the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX), closed at AU$18.73, equivalent to US$13.11 per kilo clean. That was 61% above the same week of 2025, reported Todo El Campo.
However, the average price after four weeks of 2026/27 selling stood at US$13.11 per kilo clean. Because the Australian auction calendar is in its winter recess.
The recess found Australia at its best prices in five seasons. Australian clean-basis references included 16.5 microns at US$18.15 per kilo and 18 microns at US$17.31.
The rally began in January 2026, when the indicator closed at US$11.04 per kilo clean. Meanwhile, the Eastern Market Indicator closed at US$13.11 per kilo clean, 61% above the same week of 2025.
As a result, Australian wool was at its best prices in five seasons.
Understanding the Zafra
The zafra is the annual Uruguayan wool season, covering the yearly cycle of shearing, classing and selling the clip. Uruguay’s main shearing runs through spring and summer, roughly September to February.
This cycle is central to how Uruguay wool prices are set each year. The new season’s opening references set the tone for the months ahead.
In addition, the SUL reported growth of almost 40% in export earnings from the sheep sector as a whole. This covers wool and sheepmeat.
In addition, the zafra’s opening references set the tone for the months ahead. However, the market has been trading continuously, with no suspension or reopening.
What Microns Mean for Price
A micron is one millionth of a metre and measures a wool fibre’s diameter. Finer wool, with fewer microns, is worth more because it is softer against the skin.
In fact, it can be spun into light, high-value cloth. Merino sheep grow the finest wool, while Corriedale, a dual-purpose breed, grows coarser wool.
This explains why 18-micron Merino fetches US$10.30 per kilo greasy, while 28-micron Corriedale is around US$2.50. So, Uruguay wool prices vary widely by fineness.
The grifa verde, or green tag, is the SUL’s classing and certification system that confirms a lot’s quality. Meanwhile, the grifa verde classing system confirms a lot’s quality and origin.
As a result, certified lots can command premium prices.
Greasy vs Clean Basis
Greasy or fleece basis means wool weighed as shorn, still carrying grease, dirt and vegetable matter. Clean basis means the weight after scouring, and prices on the two bases are not comparable.
Uruguayan lot prices in this article are greasy, while the Australian indicator figures are clean. Therefore, do not compare them directly.
Tops are combed, scoured wool sliver, a semi-processed product one step below yarn. They are Uruguay’s highest-value wool export line.
In addition, tops are a semi-processed product and Uruguay’s highest-value wool export line. However, clean-basis prices are much higher per kilo than greasy.
Uruguay Wool Prices Outlook
Uruguay wool prices are holding firm as the new season progresses, with active demand and high opening references. The export value jump of 32% reflects strong global demand, especially from China.
However, the 2026 export figures are partial, running to August only, and not comparable to the full-year 2025 total. In 2025, Uruguay exported 42.3 million kilos worth US$159.3 million.
Overall, the market remains robust, with the SUL reporting a dozen deals in a single week. The sheep flock stands at 4,752,400 held by 21,597 registered holders in 2025.
However, the 2026 export figures are partial and not comparable to the full-year 2025 total. Meanwhile, the market remains robust with active demand and high prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Uruguay wool prices today?
Uruguay wool prices are firm, with certified 18-micron Merino at US$10.30 per kilo greasy as of early August 2026. Coarser wools, like 28-micron Corriedale, trade around US$2.50 per kilo greasy.
Why did Uruguay wool exports jump 32%?
Export value rose to US$125 million in 2026 to date, up 32%, driven by higher prices. Volume only grew 3.4%, so the jump came from price gains, especially in greasy and scoured wool.
What is the zafra in Uruguay?
The zafra is the annual Uruguayan wool season, covering shearing, classing and selling the clip. It runs roughly from September to February, with the new season opening in July with high price references.
How does micron affect wool price?
Micron measures wool fibre diameter; finer wool has fewer microns and is worth more. For example, 18-micron Merino fetches US$10.30 per kilo greasy, while 28-micron Corriedale is around US$2.50.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Blasina y Asociados; Actualidad Agropecuaria; El Observador Agro; El País Rurales; Todo El Campo; Informe Tardáguila; Secretariado Uruguayo de la Lana; Instituto Nacional de Estadística; Ministry of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries.
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