There were week-to-week gains in all average AWEX Merino Micron Price Guides (MPGs), with the greatest gains in the 21 to 23 micron range, followed by the gains at 17.0 to 18.0 and at 21 microns.
The skirtings offering continues to be quite mixed, with a significant number of lower types such as discoloured, cotty or high VM wool again on offer, as has been the case in recent weeks. Better types were in good demand, particularly those with low VM levels. But, the market was cautious about the high VM types. Skirting types again had a higher pass-in rate (22.7%) than fleece types (9.1%).
Crossbreds continued their good run; and again had a slightly better overall week than Merino types.
Oddments had a more difficult week, with stains and crutchings the most affected. Sales will be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle next week, when 35,713 bales are currently rostered for sale. Present estimates for the following two sales (Weeks 46 and 47) are 39,000 and 35,500 bales, respectively; an increase of 1.4% over the three sale period when compared with last year.
Sales are in recess in South Africa until next week.