The past week saw the physical auctions take a break for the Easter recess.
The market previously closed at a relatively buoyant position after a steady decline in prices over the month of March.
However, the Easter break did not slow any wool purchases online with 330 bales selling throughout the week.
The finer end of the market was in demand, with 61 per cent of the sales being 19 micron or finer.
Online on AuctionsPlus wool, 17 and 18 micron fleece wool sold up to 1715 cents a kilogram and 1685c/kg (greasy) or 2340c/kg and 2344c/kg (clean). 19 and 20 micron fleece wool sold up to 1700c/kg and 1469c/kg (greasy) or 2304c/kg and 2226c/kg (clean). 21 and 22 micron fleece wool sold up to 1425c/kg and 1200c/kg (greasy) or 2230c/kg and 2091c/kg (clean).
The top priced lot online this week was a line of 16.3 micron EX SUP Merino fleece wool. This line had the very low 0.3 per cent vegetable matter, was offered by Arcadian Wool, branded GREENBANK/CARNGHAM and sold for 1770c/kg (greasy) or 2376c/kg (clean).
There was also demand by buyers and exporters for fine Merino pieces this week. 16.5 micron pieces sold up to 1190c/kg (greasy) or 2031c/kg (clean), while 17.7 micron Merino pieces topped this week selling for 1225c/kg (greasy) or 2083c/kg (clean). This lot was offered by Primaries of WA and branded TOWRI.
Looking forward, the wool auctions resume this week with 46,000 bales to be offered across the nation. The following weeks see a dwindling supply, with 35,000 then 34,000 and then 32,000 over the following three weeks available.
This week, AuctionsPlus Wool has already sold 84 bales as of Monday afternoon. Buyer demand is already evident and directed once again at the finer end of the market, however there has been several lines of 24 and 25 micron fine crossbred wool sold as well.
Reports from the physical auctions suggest the weaker Australian dollar will entice overseas mills this week. The only potential dampener on the sale could be the tender drought affected wools, which unsurprisingly are making up much of the offerings.