The New Zealand wool market stayed firm in local currency this week but declined in US dollar terms.
At the combined North and South Island sales held on 8 February, the Coarse Crossbred Indicator closed unchanged on 287 cents, and in US dollar terms decreased by 5 cents (2.5%) to finish on 193 US cents.
The New Zealand dollar weakened by 2.3% to finish on 67.40 US cents.
The total offering was 17,464 bales, with a clearance rate of 91%.
Compared with the North Island sale on 31 January, prices at the North Island sale moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 32-34 microns (nominal) – firm. Fine crossbred early shorn of 32-34 microns – 1-3% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece of 35-39 microns – good styles firm, average styles 2% cheaper, poorer styles firm. Among the coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 36-39 microns – 3/5 inch firm, 3/4 inch firm, 2/4 inch sellers favour, 2/3 inch firm. Crossbred oddments – good style firm, poor style 1-2% dearer. Lambs – 28 microns and finer 1-2% cheaper, 28.2-30 microns sellers favour.
Compared with the North Island sale on 31 January, prices at the South Island sale moved as follows: Fine crossbred fleece of 32-34 microns (nominal) – 2-3% dearer. Fine crossbred early shorn of 32-34 microns – 1-3% dearer. Coarse crossbred fleece of 35-39 microns – good styles firm, average styles 1% dearer, poorer styles firm. Among the coarse crossbred early shorn and second shear types of 36-39 microns – 3/5 inch firm, 3/4 inch firm, 2/4 inch buyers favour, 2/3 inch firm. Crossbred oddments – good style firm, poor style 1-3% dearer. Lambs – 28 microns and finer N/A, 28.2-30 microns 2-4% dearer.
Source: Wool Services International
