The New Zealand wool market experienced a decline at the last week of sales of 2018 despite a weaker local currency.
At the combined North and South Island sales held on 20 December, the Coarse Crossbred Indicator fell by 3 cents (1%) to close at 283 cents, and in US dollar terms decreased by 4 cents (2.1%) to finish on 192 US cents.
The New Zealand dollar weakened by 1.09% against the US dollar compared with the previous week, finishing at 67.80 US cents. The total offering was 16,712 bales, with a clearance rate of 84%.
Compared with the North Island sale on 13 December, prices at the North Island moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 32-34 microns – firm. Fine crossbred early shorn of 32-34 microns – 1-2% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece of 35-39 microns – good styles sellers favour, average styles 2-3% cheaper, poorer styles 1-3% cheaper. Among the coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 36-39 microns, 3/5 inch, 3/4 inch, 2/4 inch and 2/3 inch were all firm. Crossbred oddments – good style – 1-3% cheaper, poor style – 2-3% cheaper. Lambs – 27.5 and finer were 2% dearer; 28-29.5 microns 2-3% cheaper.
Compared with the North Island sale on 13 December, prices at the South Island moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 32-34 microns – 2% dearer. Fine crossbred early shorn of 32-34 microns – 1-3% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece of 35-39 microns – good styles 2% dearer, average styles 1-2% cheaper, poorer styles 1-2% cheaper. Among the coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 36-39 microns, 3/5 inch, 3/4 inch, 2/4 inch and 2/3 inch were all firm. Crossbred oddments – good style – 1-2% cheaper, poor style – 1-3% cheaper. Lambs – 27.5 and finer N/A; 28-29.5 microns firm.
Source: Wool Services International
