Cape Wools market unchanged; fleece wools in keen demand

The wool market was relatively unchanged at this week’s auction and the Cape Wools Merino indicator closed at R99.06/kg (clean), which was a marginal 5c/kg down on last week.

Long, well prepared fleece wools were in keen demand and fetched good prices, with some types closing at higher levels than last week. A fairly large percentage of the offering comprised short wool, for which there was limited demand.

The rand, at R7.72, had gained 0.7% against the US dollar compared with the average rate at the previous sale, while it was a marginal 0.1% down against the euro at R10.19.

This week’s offering comprised 6 796 bales of which 97% was cleared. Major buyers were Standard Wool SA (1 036 bales), Modiano SA (1 573 bales) and Lempriere SA (1 351 bales).

The average clean prices for the different categories good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18 microns were a marginal 0.1% down at R114.10/kg, 18.5 microns gained 0.6% to R113.83/kg, 19 microns were 2.4% dearer at R113.79/kg, 19.5 microns were up 0.2% to R108,80/kg, 20 microns rose 1.7% to close at R107,03/kg, 20.5 microns were up 0.2% at R105,70/kg and 21 microns gained by 0.6% to close at R104,80/kg and 21.5 microns were unchanged at R102.97/kg. There were no quotes for 22 microns.

No sale has been scheduled for next week. Sales will resume on 9 May.