Prices eased for the first time in months at last week's sale of North Island and South Island wool.
The passing rate was also higher than it has been for weeks, with 8% of the 13,872 bales on offer failing to reach grower's reserve.
Wool Partners International head auctioneer Dave Burridge said compared with the previous sale, good style crossbred fleece, 31 to 39 micron, was 1% to 3% cheaper, poorer styles up to 1% cheaper while second-shear fleece was unchanged. Lambs' wool was 2% cheaper and crossbred oddments 1% to 2% cheaper.
New Zealand Wool Services International manager John Dawson said the price decline corresponded with the strengthening United States dollar.
He said fewer poor colour fleeces and early shorn wools helped hold their value.
Buyers from China had the strongest influence on the sale. Buyers from Australia and Europe took supporting roles.