Wooltrade closely reflected the physical market and last week the majority of sales were from Friday to Wednesday, market operations manager Tony Benson said.

He said the Wooltrade offer board had some solid results for most micron groups with just short of 600 bales sold.

“Our top price for the week was for an Australian superfine Merino fleece lot from Roberts Ltd branded O/ROC/TASMANIA that measured an eye-popping 15.1 microns, with 0.9pc vegetable matter, 82 mm length and 34N/kt tensile strength that sold for 1671c/kg clean.

“But here is the kicker, same brand similar wool with 1.4pc vm and 43 N/kt sold for 1630c/kg clean — well done to the producer.”

Mr Benson said there was some interest in 17.5-19 micron merino fleece with prices from 1142-1226c/kg, but the real performers were the 20-21 micron wools, probably on the back of limited supply.

The 20 micron wools topped out with a line selling for 1146c/kg and the 21 micron wools peaked at 1131c/kg, with a small premium for these lines due to their solid test results, he said.

“Crossbreds continue to power along with our top price for a 90mm stylish 27.1 micron fleece lot being 699c/kg clean.”

Mr Benson said are 15,300 bales on Wooltrade this week and 369 bales on AuctionsPlus Wool that will be a good litmus test.