There were solid price gains across all micron categories at last week's auctions, and the finer wools again attracted the most demand.
The Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX) Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) experienced a relatively big increase of 50 cents a kilogram to close at 1393c/kg - or US1078c/kg.
A smaller offering of 36,288 bales resulted in a pass in rate of 4.1 per cent, which was down from 7.5 per cent the previous week.
The Fremantle auction centre was in recess last week, and this meant the atmosphere in the eastern states was positive from the start of sales.
This week there is a higher volume of wool scheduled at 43,691 bales, as the western market returns to the action.
This increased offering is likely to be matched with a favourable ambience due to the relatively steady Australian Dollar compared to the US currency.
A highlight last week was the AWEX EMI reaching its highest point, in US Dollar terms, since the pre-pandemic summer of 2020.
The AuctionsPlus online offer board also experienced a significant boost in sales last week.
There were 1700 bales sold on the platform, which was up by 1046 bales from the previous week.
Lines of 18-micron wool were in strong demand and 286 bales sold online to a top price of 1460c/kg (greasy), or 2025c/kg (clean).
Broader microns performed well and 118 bales of wools measuring 23-micron or more were cleared to a top price of 744c/kg (greasy), or 1157c/kg (clean).
The top priced lot sold online was for one bale of 15.9-micron Australian Superfine SUPAAA wool, which fetched 2000c/kg (greasy), or 2857c/kg (clean).
This was branded "TA/Brookside/Armidale", was 69 millimetres in staple length, had a vegetable matter of 2.5 per cent and was offered by Australian Wool Network.
Looking ahead, the AWEX EMI will likely maintain its current trajectory, as increased offerings are matched with buyer confidence on the back of a steady Australian Dollar.