Domestic Wool Slow, Aussie Sales Higher

Domestic Wool Slow,
Aussie Sales Higher

GREELEY , Colo. —(USDA)— Wool trading was slow through the holidays, and supplies remain light in both first hands and warehouses. Demand was light to moderate as most interests waited to see how Australian markets open the new year following sharply higher currency exchanges through the holidays. Export demand was moderate to good to selected destinations.

In Territory trading, Colorado sold 35,000 pounds of original bag, bellies out and untied, 1-2 inch lamb wool, mostly 1.25-1.5 inch, 18-21 micron, average yield, at $.45 f.o.b. grease, 24-26 micron $.30; Arizona reported 18,000 pounds of lamb wool, 1-1.5 inch, average yield, 18-20 micron, at $.65 f.o.b. grease, 20-22 micron $.45 and 24-30 micron $.35.

Warehouse trading was nearly at a standstill with 80,000 pounds reported. Graded three-inch plus 32-33 micron $1.05 clean delivered, 24-25 micron $1.85-1.90, 2.5-2.8 inch French wool 22-23 micron $1.90-2.00.

Australian markets resumed trading following several weeks of recess. The eastern market indicator settled at 791A cents per kilo clean, up 15 cents from mid-December. A total of 47,523 bales were offered with sales at 89 percent. At the Sydney futures markets the 21 micron grease wool contract closed with February at $3.06 U.S. per pound f.o.b. Sydney, April and Jun $3.13, August $3.11 and October $3.10. The 19 micron clean wool contract for February was $3.27, April $3.33, June $3.39, August $3.45. The 23 micron clean wool contract for February was $2.86, April $2.84, June $2.82, and August $2.84. The Australian dollar was .7713 U.S. compared to .5570 last year, an increase of 38 percent.

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