Low orders, strong dollar soften wool market
The strong dollar, restricted off-shore interest and high volumes of one wool category on offer this week saw local prices ease.
Wool markets remain steady with the latest sale seeing increases of 1 to 2% overall, says NZWSI general manager, John Dawson.
The sale of 6,617 bales was a good result, he says, with an offering of 52% Coarse Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear types.
There was good demand for shorter Second Shear types 2 to 3 inch 32 to 35 micron as buyers bid to cover Chinese orders.
The trade-weighted indicator was little changed from the last wool sale on 16th July.
Compared to the South Island sale on 16th July, Fine Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear types 3/5 and 3/4 inch were 1% dearer.
A limited offering of Coarse Crossbred Fleece wools were up 1%. Coarse Crossbred Early Shorn and Second Shear 37 to 39 micron 3/5 to 2/4 inch were 1% dearer, while 2/3 inch were firm.
A nominal offering of Crossbred Combing Oddments were in Sellers Favour, while good colour Clothing Oddments increased by 2% with poorer colour remaining firm.
Competition was widespread with China dominating.
Next sale on 30th July comprises approximately 8,000 bales from the South Island.
Eighteen months ago, when negotiations for a free trade deal with India were announced, New Zealand apple growers expressed their desire to be part of the deal.
A warning to all those in the primary sector to prepare for an unpredictable El Niño weather pattern in the coming season.
The arable industry needs profitablity, so it doesn't disappear, says newly elected Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group chair, Chris Dillon.
Kāpiti's Triple Cream Blue cheese has been named Supreme Champion Cheese at the 2026 International Cheese and Dairy Awards in the United Kingdom.
Carpet maker Bremworth’s planned sale to the world’s largest flooring company is off the table.
Rising strong wool prices are finally returning the sector to profitability.

OPINION: Central Hawke's Bay farmer Mark Warren recently told the Hawke's Bay Times it's time for a conversation about allowing…
OPINION: A nation that relies as heavily as NZ does on functional global shipping lanes will have to do its…