ONLINE wool buying activity increased on AuctionsPlus last week as physical auctions resumed to softer demand after the Easter recess.

The AuctionsPlus online offer board sold 415 bales last week, with a continued buyer preference for fine wools.

The offer board sold 203 bales of 17 micron wool to a top price of 1590c/kg greasy or 2157c/kg clean. Buyers also bought 114 bales of 16 micron wool for up to 1800c/kg greasy, or 2403c/kg clean.

The top-priced lot online was a two-bale line of 14.9 micron Merino AAASUP fleece that made 2300c/kg greasy or 3034c/kg clean. The line had an average staple length of 81mm and 0.5 percent vegetable matter, and was offered by the Jemalong Wool under the ‘DH/Walcha’ brand.

Physical auctions returned this week, after the Easter recess, with a large offering of 46,256 bales. AuctionsPlus said the large offering of 46,256 bales at physical auctions met softer demand and the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator lost 7c/kg on Tuesday and 8c/kg on Wednesday, to close the week at A1291c/kg or US996c/kg clean.

Reduced buyer confidence was demonstrated as the passed-in rate pushed up to 14.3pc, AuctionsPlus said.