Figures from the Australian Wool Testing Authority (AWTA) reveal that the amount of 17.5 micron to 25.5 micron wool in broker's stores in Australia as at the end of 2006 was lower than levels prevailing 12 months prior.
In contrast, stocks of wool outside this range increased. Across all micron categories, in-store grower stocks at 31st December 2006 were lower year-on-year.
The run-down over calendar year 2006 looks to have been most pronounced in the 19 to 22 micron category. However, the run-down in in-store grower stocks at 31st December 2006 was also significant for 18 micron wool.
By comparison, stocks for 17.5 micron wool in Australia remain at similar levels to 12 months ago, while at the other end of the micron profile, in-store grower stocks for 25.6 to 30.5 micron continued to build.
These differences by micron segments in the level and trend of in-store stocks, combined with expected trends in wool production over the next 6 months, have been reflected in the relative price performance of different micron segments over the last 12 months.