Despite a small offering of 28,459 bales, price reductions were evident from the outset. Best style/spec lots continued to be in demand and fared relatively well, however wools showing small impurities or slightly unfavourable test results were quickly discounted. The finer microns were most affected resulting in losses of 60 to 80 cents, while the broader mi- crons defied the trend and even managing some small gains.
The skirting market followed a very similar path to the fleece, with best style/ low vm skirtings finding good support while the average style & higher vm lots were discounted by up to 80 cents.
The finer crossbreds continued to find excellent support and were 5 to 10 cents dearer, while the broader end were highly irregular. Again carding buyers had to fight for their share of a limited offering, with most prices and descriptions remaining generally unchanged for the week.
Next week will see a further reduction in quantity and with Fremantle in recess, there are currently only 25,278 bales rostered for sale.