THE wool market is back in positive territory after a month of market retraction.
Last week microns of all types saw strong demand as buyers scrambled to fill orders.
The AWEX eastern market indicator rose by 46 cents a kilogram and 31c /kg on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, to close off at 1858c/kg, its highest point since late October.
In US dollar terms the EMI is sitting at 1347c/kg, 76c/kg or 5 per cent higher than it was at this point last year.
Online the demand flowed onto AuctionsPlus Wool as 643 bales were sold on behalf of 58 different grower brands, by 13 different broker companies to eight buying companies. Online merino fleece wool was topped by a line of EX FINE SUPAAAM 12.2 micron fleece wool, with extremely low 0.1 per cent vegetable matter. This line was branded KARALTA/M/ASWGA/AB467, offered by Barwon and Yarra Valley Wool and sold for 4844c /kg greasy or 7000c/kg dry.
As well, 14 and 16 micron fleece wool sold up to 2416c/kg and 1700c/kg greasy or 3208c/kg and 2342c/kg dry while 17 and 18 micron fleece wool sold up to 1650c /kg greasy or 2308c/kg and 2160c/kg dry. The 19 and 20 micron fleece wool sold up to 1590c/kg and 1540c/kg greasy or 2190c/kg and 2184c/kg dry.
Merino skirtings were topped by a line of 16.1 micron AAA Merino Bellies, offered by Roberts of Tasmania, branded NSB selling for 1366c/kg greasy. 17 micron bellies sold to 720c/kg and 19 micron merino pieces sold to 930c/kg.
Merino oddments were topped by a line of 16.7 micron merino crutchings for 800c/kg greasy, while 19 micron locks sold to 630c/kg greasy.
Interest on Southern crossbred wool saw 22 micron lines sell to 1100c/kg, with 25 and 26 micron crossbred lines selling to 890c/kg and 825c/kg greasy.
Looking forward, there is an estimated 37,000 bales on offer this week. The shortage of supply is well known by the overseas mills. Already 50 bales have been sold online since Monday morning. Some mills however, have commented that this surge is unsustainable, and in their opinion prices could retract leading into Christmas.
