The New Zealand wool market had a mixed performance this week.
At the combined sales held on 14 March, the Coarse Crossbred Indicator fell by 3 cents (1%) to close on 295 cents, and in US dollar terms stayed firm on 202 US cents.
The New Zealand dollar strengthened by 1.5% to finish on 68.60 US cents.
The total offering was 21,732 bales, with a clearance rate of 88%.
Compared with the South Island sale on 7 March, prices at the South Island sale moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 34 and 35 microns – 1% dearer. Fine crossbred early shorn of 33 and 36 microns – firm. Coarse crossbred fleece, good to average styles – nominal offering firm, poor styles buyers favour. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types – 36-39 microns – good and average styles buyers favour, poor styles firm. Crossbred oddments – firm. Lambs – 29-30.5 microns – 2-4 inches firm, 29-30.5 microns 2-3 inches up to 2% cheaper, 31 and coarser 2-4 inches 3% dearer.
Compared with the South Island sale on 7 March, prices at the North Island sale moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 34 and 35 microns – N/A. Fine crossbred early shorn of 33 and 36 microns – 2% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece, good to average styles – nominal offering 2% dearer, poor styles firm. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types – 36-39 microns – good and average styles buyers favour, poor styles firm. Crossbred oddments – nominally cheaper. Lambs – 29-30.5 microns – 2-4 inches 5% dearer, 29-30.5 microns 2-3 inches up to 1% dearer, 31 and coarser 2-4 inches 5% dearer.
Source: Wool Services International
