Wool sales held on 18 July, the first sale of this season on New Zealand’s South Island, had 11,800 bales on offer of which, 8,383 bales were sold recording a clearance rate of only 71%, as against 85% in the previous sale.
Prices gained both in domestic currency term as well as in US dollar terms. The coarse crossbred indicator was at 279 cents, up 1.5% or 4 cents, while in US dollar terms it was up 2.2% or 4 US cents to 187 US cents.
In the first sale, there was a small selection of new merino wools coming up and attracting keen competition with prices again reflecting those seen in Australia before they proceeded on their recess. Quantities still too small to quote in a meaningful manner.
The selection consisted 45% of crossbred fleece, 36-39 micron bulk 4/6″mainly average colour, some good style, 25% second shear 35-39 micron bulk 3″ very good colour, 10% associated oddments, 8% half bred fleece, 25-30 micron average to good style, 5% average colour lambs and 7% miscellaneous types.
There was a reasonable competition with China and the Indian sub-continent with support from the United Kingdom and the rest of the continent.
Major buyers were NZWSI/JSB (2,265), Masurel (2,175) and Furhman (1,035 bales) this week among others.
Price movements on the South Island compared to North Island of 11 July are as follows: Fine crossbred second shear of 32-36 microns Good style was firm and Average style 1-3% cheaper. Fine crossbred early shorn of Average style was 1-2% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece, Good style was 3-5% dearer, Average was 1-2% up while Poor styles was in the buyers’ favour. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 37-39 microns, Good colour was 2% up, Average styles were 2-3% dearer and Poor styles stayed firm. Crossbred oddments for clothing were firm and combing still in the buyers’ favour.
The next sale will be held on 25 July in North Island with 8,500 bales on offer.
Source: Wool Services International
