Ona Viljoen of Cape Wools said, “the Merino indicator shed 3% to close at R65,28/kg (greasy) but is still 13% up on the opening level. Buyers expected the drop after the sharp rise in prices, which saw the indicator gaining 18% in the six weeks from October to the second week in November. A marginal weakening of the rand was also insufficient to stem this downward correction.”
Cape Mohair and Wool’s James de Jager said Australia’s good climatic conditions caused their clip to become coarser, resulting in the volume of 18,6 microns and finer to drop by 21,9%, together with an overall drop in wool production of 7,2%. The highest price of R84/kg was achieved by Golden Fleece from Calvinia for a 17,3 micron AFFY EST bale, which was purchased by Standard Wool.
The offering comprised 8 542 bales, of which 94% were sold. Average prices for good top-making (MF5), sound, long fleeces (under 1% seed content) were: 19 microns up 1,4% to R87,29/kg; 19,5 microns 2,7% down at R76,84/kg; 20 microns 3,2% cheaper at R68,98/kg; 20,5 microns down 3,6% at R66,57/kg; 21 microns 2,2% down at R65,88/kg; 21,5 microns 2,8% cheaper at R64,26/kg; and 22 microns down 3,8% at R62,49/kg.
