There were falls in the average AWEX Micron Price Guide (MPGs) across all micron ranges, with the greatest falls from 19.0 to 20.0 microns. The 23 and 24 average Micron Price Guide (MPGs) were the least affected, as happened last week.
The skirtings offering was quite mixed, with a significant number of lower types such discoloured, cotty or with high VM wool was on offer. Better types were in good demand, but the poorer types were all discounted. Skirting types had a higher pass-in rate (22.6%) than fleece types (16.9%).
Crossbreds started well on Tuesday, but eased on Wednesday, particularly in the South. Overall, they had a better week than Merino types. Oddments had a mixed week, but generally moved downwards.
Buyers for China were dominant this week, followed by strong support buyers for Europe, India and Taiwan.
Sales will be in recess next week and resume in the week commencing 16 April (Week 41), when 56,780 bales are currently rostered for sale in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle. The present estimate for the following sale (Week 42) is 44,100 bales; an increase of 3.3% over the two sale period when compared with last year.
In South African sales, the Cape Wools Indicator was down by 2.6% since last week against a 1.9% depreciation of the Rand against the US Dollar and 0.7% depreciation against the Euro. 5,511 bales were on offer.
Australian Wool Industries Secretariat Inc (AWIS)