AUSTRALIAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

Comment

It was another positive week for the wool market despite another large offering. The general tone was again a little cautious from the outset but there was enough widespread interest across a broad spectrum of types to sustain the market strength for the whole week. A 50,000 bale sale does sound like a lot, but trying to accumulate commercial quantity of tradeable types is proving a challenge for exporters and traders. This is creating a strong platform for the auction. The less optimistic sentiment leading into the sale, was quickly overrun by strong auction demand. Quality superfine types, in limited supply, were again keenly sought after. Best 15.0 / 16.0 micron were extreme and up to 9% dearer for selected choice lots. The Authentico indicator is weighted towards these specialty superfine types and has been positively influenced this week as a result.

AWEX Eastern Indicator compared with 13/01/2022

Eastern Indicator

Close: 1341

Change in % +0.6

Authentico Index Values

15 Micron

Close: 3687

Change in %: +9.5

16 Micron

Close: 3089

Change in %: +8.2

17 Micron

Close: 2536

Change in %: +2.1

18 Micron

Close: 2197

Change in %: +0.8

19 Micron

Close: 1885

Change in %:  +0.6

Authentico Indicator

Close: 2595

Change in %: +4.1

Forecast

The selection will gradually decline, and the quality will eventually deteriorate as we move towards our autumn. Vegetable matter is expected to increase and staple strength will change including a higher mid break percentage. This will impact on the performance of the wool available. We have no doubt that this is one reason why demand for the better specification, lower VM lines is so strong at present. The micron profile of the available wool also seems broader than usual. One explanation might be that the finest bales have already been sold this year. Often, we have some fine and superfine wool held but with strong prices being achieved for the superfine types since July, maybe less has been held by growers.

Auction offering – current week

MarketSaleOfferedSoldPassed In
NorthS 29 1392613061 6.2%
SouthM 29 2639624866 5.8%
WestF 29 7021 6706 4.5%

Auction offering – next week

MarketSale
Sale days
Volume
NorthS 30 T / W12103
SouthM 30 T / W23938
WestF 30 T / W10494

If you want to see the complete Wool Sales Roster click here.