The first wool sale of the New Year started on a strong note last week, with prices for most lines increasing.
Of the 23,500 bales on offer at the combined North Island and South Island sale, 98% was cleared. That continued a trend of strong demand which had been a feature all season, brokers said.
New Zealand Wool Services International reported prices were pulled up by gains in other wool-exporting countries, which in turn continued to be driven by demand exceeding supply.
Prices were largely unaffected by the impact of a continued appreciating currency.
Compared with the last sale on December 22, mid-micron wool rose by up to 2%, fine crossbred fleece and shears by between 1% and 4% and coarse and shears by 1% to 3.5%.
First lamb's wool prices firmed 1% to 2.5% and all oddments by 2% to 5% with shorter types gaining the most.
The next sale is on Thursday, with 7300 bales from the South Island and 11,500 from the North Island being offered.