Crossbred wool prices continue to firm, reaching values last seen in 1996.
Wool Partners International auctioneer Dave Burridge said in currency-adjusted terms, prices were now at levels not seen since 1996 and 70% higher than July last year, the market's low point. Some fleece wool reached $6 a kg.
Values firmed at last week's sale in Christchurch, with fleece finer than 35 microns 3%-4% dearer than at the sale two weeks earlier.
Fleece wool stronger than 35 micron and second-shear wool was 5% to 7% higher.
Crossbred oddments were again in demand, rising 10%, and were now just 15c and 20c a kg clean less in price than better quality fleece wool.
Mid-micron wool prices were 2% higher.
Mr Burridge said wool volumes were down and he expected supplies in coming weeks would also be low, raising concerns among exporters about how they would fill orders.
Poor weather has disrupted shearing, forcing the cancellation of the October 7 sale.
New Zealand Wool Services International reported that merino fleece 19 micron and finer was 2.5% to 6% dearer than the previous sale, with coarser types easing 3% to 6%.