Shorter wool types lift 8-10% in last week sales (New Zealand)

New Zealand Wool Services International Limited reported that the 8,860 bales of North Island wool on offer in the first sale of the 2012/13 season, saw a 69 percent clearance with targeted types prices increasing and the balance easing. The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies increased 0.67 percent compared to the last sale on 28th June.

Pressure on exporters to meet specific shipping schedules saw some styles; microns and lengths lift in value, however the traditional quiet season during July, upcoming holidays in Western Europe and poor economic issues held the balance of the offerings prices back.

Fine Crossbred Shears 33 to 35 micron were generally 3 to 5 percent easier except for the 2 to 4 inch group which was firm to 1.5 percent stronger. Coarse Fleece 36 and 37 micron were 3 to 4.5 percent cheaper with the coarser types 2.5 percent dearer. Coarse Crossbred Shears and First Lambs Fleece ranged from firm to 3 percent cheaper.

Clothing Oddments 2 to 4 inches were firm to 3.5 percent down, however the shorter types recovered considerably lifting 8 to 10 percent off unsustainably low levels. Limited competition with China, Western Europe, United Kingdom and India principals, supported by Australasia and the Middle East.