New Zealand Wool Services International Limited reports the combined North and South Island Wool Auction comprising 16,500 bales saw a 76 percent clearance with prices generally easing with the currency factor having the greatest effect.
Compared to last sale on 15th December, the weighted indicator for the main trading currencies strengthened 1.95 percent with a corresponding easing of prices locally.
Mid Micron Fleece was firm to 2 percent easier except the 29.5 to 30.5 micron bracket which came back 6 to 9 percent. Fine Crossbred Fleece and Shears 32 to 35 micron was firm to 2 percent cheaper.
Coarse Crossbred Fleece and Shears 36 micron and coarser were generally 1.5 percent easier except the poor styles in the North Island which eased by up to 5 percent.
Coarse Long Oddments saw lifts of up to 5 percent in the South and a firm to 2 percent drop in the North. Clothing oddments weakened 3 to 6 percent with the North Island affected the most.
Wide spread competition with China, Australasia and Europe principals supported by United Kingdom, Middle East and India sparingly.
New Zealand Wool Services International Limited