The market report

The Australian EMI gained 0,9% this week.

The Cape Wools All Wool Indicator gained by 1,6%. The offering consisted of some good quality spinner type wools.

The South African Market Indicator gained 1.7% on the back of a weaker currency and good competition, especially for the long fine wools.

There is good demand from both China and Europe.

Better qualities and good classed clips will continue to attract extra attention from buyers.

The average Market Indicator in US Dollar terms has gained 0.3% from the previous auction. This week saw the Rand at R13,78 to the US Dollar and R15,61 to the Euro.

The Rand was 1,4% weaker against the US Dollar and 0,4% weaker against the Euro compared with the average rate at the previous sale.

The offering comprised 10 790 bales of which 92,3% was sold.

Major traders were G Modiano SA (3 566), Standard Wool SA (3 243), Lempriere SA (1 107) and Tianyu SA (924).

The average clean prices for the selection within the different micron categories for good top-making (MF5), long fleeces were as follows: 18,0 microns increased 2,2% to close at R243,34/kg; 18,5 microns moved 2,0% up to close at R242,27/kg; 19 microns lost 1,2% to close at R234,36/kg; 19,5 microns strengthened by 1,5% to close at R233,60/kg; 20 microns was 1,1% stronge to close at R227,26/kg; 20,5 microns won 0,6% to close at R225,08/kg; 21,0 microns recovered 1,5% to close at R223,46/kg; 21,5 microns improved by 1,3% to close at R217,44/kg; 22 microns rose 2,2% to close at 216,75/kg and 22,5 microns climbed by 1,8% to close at R212,68/kg. The next sale is scheduled for 20 February 2019 where approximately ±6 766 bales will be on sale..