ONLINE wool buying strengthened last week as Australia’s physical auction market lifted last week, with 268 bales selling on AuctionsPlus.
AuctionsPlus regional sales associate Ed Murphy said a mixed week was reported at physical auctions across the three selling centres, but overall a slight change in sentiment was seen and ended a long streak of decline.
In the Sydney auctions at the Royal Easter Show the main contributors to the stronger market were the well-supported crossbred fleece lines.
The 18-20 Micron Price indicators lifted at the southern selling centre in Melbourne, while the superfine wools of 17.5 microns and finer were considerably cheaper at the close of auction, which was attributed to the large amount of drought-affected wool, he said.
“After a strong start on the first day of sales, the market eased on the second day and the week closed out with the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator increasing 7 cents to finish at 1943c/kg clean with a passed-in rate of 10.3 percent.
“Online buying also strengthened late last week with 268 bales sold on AuctionsPlus wool, with 217 of these bales selling on Friday afternoon.”
Mr Murphy said most of the wool online followed the demand trend of the physical auctions, with 160 of the bales sold online in the 18-20 micron range.
The top online price for 15 micron fleece was 1485c/kg greasy or 2339c/kg clean, and for 16 micron 1362c/kg greasy or 2308c/kg clean. The top price for 17 micron lines was 1720c/kg greasy or 2269c/kg clean and for 18 micron fleece, 1625c/kg greasy or 2286c/kg clean.
The top online price for 19 micron fleece was 1413c/kg greasy, or 2215c/kg clean, and for 20 micron wool, 1377c/kg greasy or 2243c/kg clean.
In the oddments, the best price paid for 22 micron Merino pieces online was 899c greasy or 1496c dry.
Crossbred wool sells for 695c/kg greasy online
AuctionsPlus’ top price for crossbred wool last week was 695c/kg greasy, or 1114c/kg clean, for a line of 23.6 micron weaner fleece.
AuctionsPlus Wool sales recommence in the week beginning Monday 29 April.
“Looking forward, there is a reported of 42,000 bales on offer at auction next week, with between 9000 to 10,000 in Sydney and around 22,000 in Melbourne.
“There is no doubt that this volume will test the market considerably although looking forward, offerings are predicted to decline for coming weeks,” Mr Murphy said.
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