ONLINE wool sales lifted last week as the physical auction market rebounded with its largest weekly rise ever.

AuctionsPlus operations manager Tom Rookyard said the Australia’s physical auction wool market bounced back with the largest rise since AWEX began reporting back in 1995.

“The market had gains across all categories as commission buyers led the way and were followed by traders and other overseas mills.

“The market recovered back to a point close to where it was at in late 2017,” he said.

“The positivity was reflected by the AWEX Eastern market Indicator gaining 130 cents on Wednesday and then 40 cents on Thursday to close off at 1535c/kg clean.”

“In West Australian, the indicator rose by 242 cents to close off at 1625 cents,’ he said.

“The US/China trade war is still heavily influencing the market; however, it is reported that overseas mills rushed the market.”

Mr Rookyard said buyers head to AuctionsPlus and scrambled to fill orders.

“This saw 1509 bales sell throughout the week.”

The top-priced lot sold online last week was an eight-bale line of SUPAAAA 16.4 micron Merino fleece wool that made 1615c/kg greasy, or 2307c/kg clean. It had an average staple length of 94mm, a yield of 70pc, tensile strength of 42 Newtons/kilotex and 0.3 percent vegetable matter. The lot was offered by Landmark Sydney, branded TA/F in DIA/Congi/New England.

Other 15 and 17 micron fleece lines sold up to 1210c/kg and 1253c/kg greasy or 1955c/kg and 1800c/kg clean. The 18 and 19 micron fleece lines sold up to 1330c/kg and 1200c/kg greasy or 1855c/kg and 1714c/kg clean. The 20 and 21 micron fleece wool made to 1270c/kg and 1200c/kg greasy or 1789c/kg and 1765c/kg clean.

Carding and combing wools sold well online

Mr Rookyard said carding and combing wools also sold online last week. Merino pieces made up to 1020c/kg greasy or 1648c/kg clean for a six-bale line of 16.6 micron with a yield of 61.9pc, staple length of 72mm, tensile strength of 30N/kt and 1.6pc vm.

The 18 and 19 micron Merino pieces sold up to 830c/kg and 700c/kg greasy or 1436c/kg and 1289c/kg clean.

“Looking forward, the overall wool market is in for a rocky road.

“Until the trade war is resolved the market will continue to be volatile,” Mr Rookyard said.

“Sharp rises and falls like the last few weeks should not be unexpected.”