The market continued to improve during the series, mirroring recent trends where most support has been on the Merino Fleece sector: 18 through to 22-microns all attracted spirited competition as buyers fought for the limited quantity, driving prices as much as 80 cents higher. The ultrafine range also managed improvements but the gains were not as consistent on the back of a mixed-quality selection. Prices maintained strength through to the close on Thursday and the overall lift in values added further to an already successful 2017/18 final-quarter (April-May-June).

Since Easter the AWEX-EMI has risen in nine out of the 11 weeks and lifted 300 cents with another week remaining. Also of note this week was the currency, which fell to its lowest level in 11 months, falling 2 cents for the week. While the 30/32-micron range tracked sideways, persistent support for the finer Crossbred microns pushed the 26 and 28 Micron Price Guides into record territory after they gained 30 cents over the two days on a small offering: 20 through to 28-microns are all now at records for the AWEX/AWC series (since 1979).

Merino Skirtings gained 20 to 30 cents while Merino Cardings stepped 20 to 30 cents higher.

There are 32,528 bales expected next week in three selling centres, the final sale for the 2017/18 season.