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 North Island wool auction received revived support this week with an improved 81% of the 5700 bales selling.
New Zealand Wool Services International Ltd's chief executive, John Dawson reports the weakening NZ dollar across the board saw the weighted currency indicator fall 4.22%.
Despite these positive factors, local prices were still below last week's South Island auction, but only marginally under the last more comparative North Island selection.
Dawson reports that compared to the North Island sale on the July 7, fine crossbred shears ranged from 2% cheaper to 2% dearer. Coarse good colour full fleece were nominally firm with the average style 1 to 2% cheaper.
Coarse crossbred early shorn were 1% cheaper, longer shears firm to 1% dearer with shorter types firm to 2% easier.
Short oddment remained firm.
Limited interest with renewed activity from Western Europe adding a steadying influence, supported by Australasia and the United Kingdom, with India, Middle East and China sparingly.
The next sale on July 28 comprises about 7400 bales from the South Island.
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