AUSTRALIAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

Comment

All types and categories attracted strong competition this week but it was the fine wools that were in keenest demand. Short fine merino types for knitwear are in strong demand and limited supply so the price gap between them and the better weaving types is minimal. In contrast, the price range between fine wool and the medium to broader micron merinos is now at the largest premium seen for many years. While it’s not all bad news for the medium wool producers who benefit from greater wool cut, it’s fantastic news for our super fine wool producer friends that for too long have been behind in terms of returns in comparison. Crossbred wools are still struggling to gain any real demand and in particular those crossbred clips that have not been prepared to the code of practice are being discounted heavily. The Fremantle market closed stronger than the East. This could either be market driven or the fact that there is no sale next week in Fremantle leaving exporters a little short to complete container loads for prompt export.

AWEX Eastern Indicator compared with 27/05/2021

Eastern Indicator

Close: 1343

Change in % +1.74

If you want to learn more about AWEX indicators, visit the official website http://www.awex.com.au

Authentico Index Values

15 Micron

Close: 3353

Change in %:  +1.85

16 Micron

Close: 2901

Change in %: +2.33

17 Micron

Close: 2489

Change in %: +0.69

18 Micron

Close: 2133

Change in %: +2.40

19 Micron

Close: 1792

Change in %: +2.28

Authentico Indicator

Close: 2481

Change in %: +1.76

Forecast

We have noted the better demand for fine and superfine knitting types and the increasing price gap between fine and medium micron merino wools. The AWEX MPG (micron price guide) for 17.5 micron now sits at around a 46% premium over the 19.5 MPG. AWTA test figures for the season indicate a 5.5% increase in total tested volume between July 2020 and May 2021 compared to the same period the previous year. However, a look into the micron figures reveals a different trend. Tested volume 16.5 micron and finer is 27% below the same period the previous season and 16.6/17.5 is 13.9% below. The ultrafine production is even more alarming with 12.5 / 14.5 micron approximately 50% down in volume in comparison. These figures would certainly be a factor influencing the current market trend.

Auction offering – current week

Market          Sale         Offered        Sold       Passed In

North                      S 49                  10864                 10522               3.1%

South                     M 49                 20736                  18951               8.6%

West                       F 49                   6990                    6251               10.6%

Auction offering – next week

Market          Sale          Sale days          Volume

North                      S 50                     T-W                             13267

South                     M 50                     T-W                            25407

West                       F 50                    no sale

 

If you want to see the complete Wool Sales Roster click here.