Skirting prices eased again on Wednesday, but generally by lesser amounts than last week. This was followed by some firmness in the market for the lower VM types on Thursday.
Crossbreds had another reasonable week, with the changes in most average slightly up or unchanged.
Oddment types were down in all centres on both days. The AWEX Merino Cardings Price Guide eased sharply in the South on Thursday, bring the average change for the week down to -1.6%.
Buyers for China were dominant this week, followed by strong support from buyers for India, Europe and Taiwan.
Sales will be held in Sydney and Melbourne next week, when 28,332 bales are currently rostered for sale. Present estimates for the following two sales (Weeks 50 and 51) are 34,617 and 24,400 bales, respectively; an increase of 21.9% over the three sale period when compared with last year.
Sales are in recess in South Africa until next week.