Local wool values are being driven down by the rising New Zealand dollar being toyed with on the international currency market, New Zealand Wool Services International general manager John Dawson said.
The combined North and South Island wool auction on Thursday, comprising 18,900 bales, saw a 73% clearance and, apart from some types with limited volumes, the market continued to trend downwards.
A small selection of mid-micron and fine crossbred fleece resisted the negative impact of the currency, increasing by 1% to 2%.
Good style fleece (31 to 35 micron) was unchanged with an average clean price of 610c a kg, while poorer style fleece was 2% cheaper at 580c, Dave Burridge, of PGG Wrightson Wool, said.
Good style full-length crossbred fleece (35 to 39 micron) was 2% cheaper with an average clean price of 560c.
Second-shear fleece (75mm to 125mm) was 1% to 2% cheaper, with an average clean price of 545c, while poorer styles dropped 2% at 500c.
Second-shear (50mm to 100mm) was 3% cheaper with an average clean price of 525c.
There was widespread competition with China, Australia and New Zealand, and Western Europe principals supported by India, Middle East and the United Kingdom.
A range of prices.-
Hewett Farm (Milton), 40 bales crossbred 2-tooth AA, 32.1 micron, 76.3% yield, 468c greasy, 613c clean; D.C.
Larsen and Co. (Lawrence), 22 bales crossbred AA, 35.7 micron, 74.4% yield, 439c greasy, 590c clean; I.D. and J. F. Sutherland (Hampden), seven bales Perendale AA, 35.9 micron, 73% yield, 434c greasy, 595c clean; McKay Farm Ltd (Dunedin), 29 bales Romney AA, 37.3 micron, 76.8% yield, 456c greasy, 594c clean; S.B.
Clearwater (Palmerston), 25 bales crossbred AA, 36.4 micron, 75.1% yield, 442c greasy, 589c clean; Lighthouse Hills Farm (Palmerston), 11 bales crossbred AA, 33.9 micron, 75.8% yield, 458c greasy, 604c clean; Douglas Downs (Lawrence), 16 bales crossbred AA, 36.2 micron, 72.6% yield, 437c greasy, 595c clean.