Declining NZ wool quality raises concerns for exporters, says Patterson
A deterioration in the quality of New Zealand's wool clip is a problem for manufacturers and exporters, says Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson.
The coarser wools were generally firm to slightly easier. With the better tone, 62% of the offering sold. The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies eased by 0.76% compared to the last sale on July 19.
Dawson advises that Mid Micron wools, 25.5 to 31.5 micron, were firm to 3% dearer. Fine Crossbred 33 to 35 micron 2 to 4 inches and longer were firm to 8% dearer with the 3 to 4 inch bracket appreciating the most. The 2 to 3 inch types were the only area to weaken, by up to 3%.
Crossbred Fleece 36 microns and coarser were firm to 3% easier. Coarse Shears were 1 to 3% cheaper except the 3 to 4 inch bracket which came back 3 to 5%.
First Lambs attracted good competition with the longer types 4 to 7% stronger and shorter types firm to 2.5% dearer.
Long Coarse Oddments were firm overall with the short types firm to 4% dearer.
Well spread activity with China principals supported by Western Europe, India and the Middle East.
The next sale on August 2 comprises about 8250 bales from the South Island.
