Friday, 02 March 2012 10:01

Wool market strengthens

Written by 

A South Island offering of 8400 bales saw a generally firmer market this week and an 89% clearance rate, says New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's marketing executive, Malcolm Ching.

The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies strengthened slightly by 0.39% compared to the last sale on February 23, having minimal impact.

Ching says a rise in customer activity in recent days has seen a previous flat market steady with some sectors showing strong activity, although there are wool types that are still struggling for support.

Fine crossbred fleece and shears were firm to 2.5% stronger with steady Chinese interest. Coarse full Fleece was well supported with levels remaining firm to 3% stronger. Longer shears, which were pressured last sale, eased back by up to 2%. Shorter shears were firm to 3% dearer. Fine Lambs fleece eased slightly with the longer coarser types firm to 3% stronger.

All oddments were 1.5 to 4% dearer. Well spread competition with China, Western Europe and India principals supported by Australasia, Middle East and United Kingdom.

The next sale on March 8 comprises about 17,700 bales from the North Island and 8600 bales from the South Island.

More like this

Still a slow boat to China!

Hopes of NZ sheepmeat prices picking up anytime soon in the country's key export market of China looks highly unlikely.

On a mission to add value to wool

While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.

Crackdown on Chinese use of Zespri IP

Authorities in China have clamped down on companies in that country which have been packaging and selling their own local fruit under the Zespri brand.

Featured

Vaccinate against new lepto strain

A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.

TV series to combat food waste

Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.

National

Celebrating success

The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole…

Cyclone's devastating legacy

One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it…

Machinery & Products

Factory clocks up 60 years

There can't be many heavy metal fans who haven’t heard of Basildon, situated about 40km east of London and originally…

PM opens new Power Farming facility

Morrinsville based Power Farming Group has launched a flagship New Zealand facility in partnership with global construction manufacturer JCB Construction.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Cut with care

OPINION: The new government has clearly signalled big cuts across the public service.

Bubble burst!

OPINION: Your canine crusader is not surprised by the recent news that New Zealand plant-based ‘fake meat’ business is in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter