NZ-China trade under strain?
The world is now amid potentially one of the most disruptive periods in world trade for a very long time.
John Dawson, CEO of NZWSI, reports that the South Island sale this week saw a strong market with steady support.
Of the 9,250 bales on offer, 84.4% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 0.72% compared to the last sale on 17th September, helping hold up local price levels.
Dawson advises that in line with other Merino-growing markets, local prices for Merino Fleece 18 to 23.5 microns saw a slight easing. Compared to the last sale on 10th September, prices were 2 to 6% cheaper.
Mid Micron from 24 to 28.5 microns were firm to 1.5% cheaper. Compared to the sale of 17th September, Fine Crossbred Full Fleece were 2.5% firmer and shear types 2 to 4% dearer, with the very short types under the most pressure.
Coarse Fleece were up to 2% firmer with Coarse shears firm to 2% dearer.
Oddments were firm to 2% stronger.
There is still competition with China continuing to dominate, supported by Western Europe, Middle East, Australasia, and very limited activity from India and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on 1st October comprises approximately 6,000 bales from the North Island.
Commodity prices and interest rates play a huge role in shaping farmer confidence, but these factors are beyond their control, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Richard McIntyre.
DairyNZ is supporting a proposed new learning model for apprenticeships and traineeships that would see training, education, and pastoral care delivered together to provide the best chance of success.
Two agritech companies have joined forces to help eliminate manual entry and save farmer time.
The recent squabble between the Cook Islands and NZ over their deal with China has added a new element of tension in the relationship between China and NZ.
The world is now amid potentially one of the most disruptive periods in world trade for a very long time.
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