AUCTIONSPLUS wool sales have continued last week and yesterday as Australia’s physical auction market consolidated further.

AuctionsPlus regional sales associate Ed Murphy said the physical auctions last week reported a shift in buyer sentiment and another positive week was seen.

“Reports from physical auction suggested buying on both days at the southern and western selling centres was steady to mixed.

“The trend at the northern centre was much more positive and saw prices increases across most micron price indicators,” he said.

“This was backed by the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator as it fell 4 cents on Wednesday and then rose 11 cents on Thursday to reach 1542c/kg clean.

“The largest gains coming for 17-20 micron wools, as demand for Merino wool types has firmed,” he said.

“This sentiment at physical auction was reflected online as AuctionsPlus wool sold 515 bales.”

The top price online was Selling to a top of 1400c/kg greasy or 2041c/kg clean for an 11-bale line of 16 micron Merino fleece from non-mulesed sheep. The line of SUPAAA yielded 68.6 percent, with an average staple length of 94mm, a tensile strength of 30 Newtons/Kilotex and 0.4pc vegetable matter content.

The top price for 15 micron Merino weaner pieces online was 1097c/kg greasy or 1831c/kg clean. The two-bale line yielded 59.9pc, was 81mm long, with a tensile strength of 31N/kt and 1.8pc vm.

The respective top prices for 17 micron and 18 micron fleece wool was 1220c/kg and 1176c/kg greasy or 1889c/kg and 1894c/kg clean. The top prices for 19 and 20 micron fleece wool was 1304c/kg and 1007c/kg greasy or 1831c/kg and 1792c/kg clean. The top price for 21 micron fleece wool was 1007c/kg greasy or 1792c/kg clean.

Crossbred fleece sold online to a top price of 847c/kg greasy or 665c/kg clean for a four-bale line of 28.8 micron AAAFXLMS that yielded 78.5pc clean with 0.6pc vm.

Mr Murphy said this week the auction supply remains steady based on previous weeks at about 33,300 bales.

“It is still expected the market will continue along the same path as last week although with 26 bales sold this week as of Tuesday morning online, early buying activity online may suggest a change in sentiment at physical auction this week,” he said.

The annual Nanjing Wool Market conference took place over the weekend in China, reports suggested a positive outlook and sentiment this year, he said.

“Although with ongoing world trade issues the wool market will continue to balance on a knife’s edge.”

Early auction sales move upward again

AWEX reported in its daily report today that the Northern Market Indicator has moved up 60 cents to 1630c/kg. Today’s Sydney auction has ended with substantial price increases recorded across all microns, as well as a clearance rate of 96pc, AWEX said.

An offering of 19-21 micron wools attracted strong buyer demand for all types and descriptions, pushing the micron price guides 90-100 cents higher. A selection of MF5 (good style) & low tensile strength/high mid break types in the 18.5 micron and finer range was 70-90 cents dearer. The best style (MF4), well-measured types were generally 20-50 cents dearer. Merino skirtings recorded increases of 50-80 cents across all types and descriptions. Crossbred wools ended the day 30-50 cents dearer across all microns. Locks sold 40-60 cents dearer, and crutchings and stains recorded increases of 20-30 cents.

AWEX said she Southern Market Indicator rose 61 cents to 1585c/kg. The market opened strongly and maintained its solid increases through to the close of selling. A limited selection of best style well-measured 17.5 micron and finer wool constrained upward movement to 15 cents, AWEX said. Increases for 18-19 micron wools were more robust — a solid 40/50 cents.

AWEX said the biggest movers of the day were in the 19.5-21.5 micron range, which moved up by 90 cents. Merino skirting wool attracted good increases of 60-70 cents for best style low vegetable matter content wool, with prices up 40 cents for heavier (>5pc) vm skirtings. Crossbred fleece of 29.5 microns and finer were up 40 cents. There was a very limited offering of 30 micron and coarser wools, which sold above last week’s closing levels. Best style carbo crutchings lifted 80 cents, and locks and stains rose 40 cents.