Prices finished firm for most longer wool types, but cheaper for shorter fleece and mid-micron types at the wool sale in Christchurch this week.
Continued limited volumes of wool coming forward to market has ensured demand for wool remains firm despite a 3% increase in the New Zealand dollar next to the greenback from the previous sale, Dave Burridge, of PGG Wrightson Wool, said.
Good style fleece (31 to 35 micron) lifted 1%-2% with an average clean price of 525c/kg, while good style full-length crossbred fleece (35 to 39 micron) was up to 1% dearer with an average clean price of 500c. Poorer styles were 1%-2% cheaper at 445c.
Second-shear fleece (75mm to 125mm) was up to 2% cheaper with an average clean price of 445c.
Second-shear (50mm to 100mm) was 2%-4% cheaper, with an average clean price of 425c on a limited offering.
Longer lambswool was 1%-2% dearer, shorter length lambs (50mm to 100mm) was 2%-3% dearer and mid-micron fleece was 2%-4% cheaper for all types.
The lower currency was helping prices to remain firm, although there was concern with the issues around the world commodity markets.
Lambswool continued to be sought after on limited quantities, Roger Fuller, of Elders Primary Wool, said.
A good spread of buyers was active including China, India, Western Europe and Australia and New Zealand with support from United Kingdom and Middle East.
