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It was a difficult week for the market, as reports that our biggest market China was sitting on its hands as it waited to get some clearer direction from retailers.

Despite Fremantle taking the week off, the market opened weaker before showing a glimmer on the final day, however the tone remained downbeat.

The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) went nowhere, ending at 1,107¢/kg. Picking up the inertia, the exchange rate also didn’t move, still holding at 0.677 USD.

Fremantle would have been pleased to sit out the week, however they return next week for the final sale before the winter break.

Looking for positive signs, the market reported that well prepared skirtings in Sydney posted consecutive days of positive moves, however this didn’t transfer to Melbourne where the skirtings market was at best steady.

The only bright spot for Crossbred wool was the 32 MPG, where in Melbourne the market showed some promise on the opening, however by the close of the week this had been retraced, while all other types fared weaker across the week.

Bales cleared to the trade were at their lowest for the 12 month period, only 25,225 bales were purchased at auction, with a further 8.3% passed in.

Wool Week activities were front of mind in Melbourne this week with representatives from all industries sectors meeting. The mood was sombre, with industry bodies representing producers, brokers, exporters and AWI & AWEX all reporting tough trading conditions.

Next week

The winter recess will be welcome, however next week in the last selling week before the recess, 33,564 bales are currently rostered. Sales will be conducted in all selling centres.

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Data sources: Nutrien Ag Solutions, AWEX, Mecardo

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