The New Zealand wool market was once again in line with the Australian markets, with prices up compared to the last sale. This week had 16,530 bales on offer both on the South Island (8,415 bales) and North Island (8,100 bales), of which, 14,024 bales were sold, posting a clearance rate of 85%. The fine wool selection selling was dominated by hogget wools and, while there were some well grown wools available, there was also a selection of finer tender wools throughout the catalogue.
Both islands predominantly offered hogget fleece and shears 30-35 micron good colour. On the South Island, 10% was merino fleece 16-22 micron, and 15% mid micron fleece 23-25.5 micron.
Major buyers were NZWSI/JSB (3,860), Masurel (3,840), and Furhman (1,750), among others, this week.
Price movements in South Island compared to sale of 10 October were as follows: fine crossbred fleece was 1.5% dearer and fine crossbred early shorn was 1.5% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece of good to poor style were also 1.5% dearer. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types 36-39 microns of good and 36-38 micron of average style 1.5% dearer.
Prices movements in North Island compared to sale of 3 October were as follows: fine crossbred fleece, fine crossbred early shorn firm. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types 36-39 micron (3/5 inch) of good style were 2% dearer and poor style firm. 35-36 micron (3/4 inch) were 2% cheaper, 37-38 micron (3/4 inch) were 2% dearer and 33-35 (2/4 inch) 2% dearer. 36-37 micron (2/4 inch) firm and 38 & coarser (2/4 inch) 2% dearer while 2/3 inch were firm.
The next sale will be held on 7 November on the North Island offering around 8,000 bales.
