Domestic Wool Trade
Quiet Due To Imports

GREELEY, Colo. —(USDA)— Domestic wool trading remains at a complete standstill. Demand was narrowed as buyers found continued supplies of lower priced imported wools, wool top and fabric, as well as a larger than normal carryover of finished goods from last winter in most areas.

Seller interest was light to very light as price levels declined into early summer. Due to the limited trade on grease wools since June, most interests are unsure of current prices on all categories.

Domestic wool inventories are larger than normal as both warehouses and producers are reluctant to sell wool at lower prices than last spring.

Australia's northern region offered 23,432 bales in the first sale of the season. The indicator declined eight cents, or 1.4 percent. Final sales in the western region were unchanged after early gains of four cents that were offset by four cent declines at late week; 29,506 bales were offered. No sales were held in the southern or eastern regions. Of the total bales offered, 86 percent sold. In the 21 micron futures market, October contracts closed at 555A cents, December at 550 and February at 556. In the 23 micron cash contract, October closed at 510, December at 490 and February at 487. Sales this week include 92,000 bales.