ONLINE wool demand followed the improved physical auction market last week to generate more bale sales with exporters.

As the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator lifted 28 cents to close at 1545c/kg clean last week, AuctionsPlus Wool sold 810 bales.

AuctionsPlus operations manager Tom Rookyard said the Australian wool market made consistent and sustainable steps forward last week.

“After months of yo-yoing up and down the market made a positive step forward without the huge volatile swings.

“Reports of China and Europe buying for their next winter’s season have seen smaller passed-in rates sitting on average 7.7 percent,” he said.

The western indicator also lifted, gaining 21 cents and 30 cents to close at 1651 cents.

Superfine line tops AuctionsPlus Wool

The top greasy price online last week was 1620c/kg greasy, or 2115c/kg clean for a five-bale line of 15.2 micron AAAM fleece wool with an average staple length of 92mm and a very low vegetable matter content of 0.3 percent. The lot was offered by Elders Melbourne and branded Wattle Bank.

Merino locks were topped by a 16.4 micron bale offered by the Australian Wool Network and branded H/Summerhill. It sold for 645c/kg greasy or 1173c/kg clean.

Online 14 and 16 micron fleece wool sold up to 1465c and 1604c greasy or 2216c/kg and 2013c/kg clean. The 17 and 18 micron fleece wool sold up to 1435c/kg and 1390c/kg greasy or 1952c/kg and 1844c/kg clean. The 19 and 20 micron fleece wools sold to 1333c/kg and 1328c/kg greasy or 1752c/kg and 1740c/kg clean.

Merino pieces sold to 850c/kg greasy for a two-bale 19.2 micron line.

“Looking forward there is an estimated 41,000 bales to be offered across the country.

“Reports are that the market will be positive this week, what remains to be seen is whether the current smaller rise trend will continue giving growers a signal of sustainability, or will we see massive upswings which could become a downturn just as easily,” Mr Rookyard said.