Wool sales held on 29 August in South Island saw good lots continue to attract strong competition, while wools of 20.5 micron and finer saw a significant fall in prices, largely reflecting the situation in the Australian auctions. Skirtings were most affected and high VM lots were heavily discounted.
Prices edged down both in domestic currency terms as well as in US dollar terms. The coarse crossbred indicator was at 274 NZD cents, down 0.7% or 2 cents, while in US dollar terms it fell 2.3% or 4 US cents to 173 US cents.
About 10,304 bales were on offer, of which 7,269 bales were sold, recording a clearance rate of 70% as against 70% in the previous sale. The selection consisted of 25% good style/colour fleece, 35-40 micron, 25% good/average style fleece, 35-40 micron, 18% good style second shear 31-38 micron, bulk 75 mm, 10% associated oddments, 5% merino fleece 16-21.5 micron, 10% half-bred fleece 25-31 micron, and 7% miscellaneous types. Widespread competition was seen in most sectors operating.
Major buyers were Bloch & Behrens (1,650), MAS (1,530), NZWSI/JSB (1,250) and Furhman (1,210) this week, among others.
Price movements in South Island compared to the North Island sale of 22 August were as follows: Fine crossbred second shear of 32-36 microns: good styles were 2-3% cheaper while fine crossbred early shorn of good and average styles were 2-4% cheaper. Coarse crossbred fleece of good styles were in buyers’ favour, while average lots were firm and poor styles were 1-2% dearer. Coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 37-39 microns: good colour types of 2/3 and 2/4 inch were in buyers’ favour, good colour types of 3/4 and 3/5 inch were firm, average styles were in buyers’ favour, and poor styles were firm. Crossbred oddments for clothing: Good and average style lots were 2-4% cheaper, poor styles were 2% cheaper and combing were 1-2% cheaper.
The next sale will be held on 3 September in North Island with approximately 7,000 bales on offer.
Source: Wool Services International
