Port Elizabeth – The wool market delivered a better performance today, with a 1,1% increase in ZAR terms from the previous sale. A total of 6 881 bales were offered on today’s sale, of which 28% was RWS certified wools, with an improved overall sales clearance of 93,27%.

The South African Rand traded variably, but moved weaker later during the day’s trade to close 0,58% down against the US$, resulting in a 0,53 % increase in the market in US$ terms, with the Australian market improving by 3.7% (AU$) this week.

Improved market sentiment and good participation from all buying houses led to the market’s better performance. However, certain broader micron categories came under pressure and sustainable fine merino fleece wool outperformed the market.

The major buyers on today’s sale were: Lempriere SA (1 502), Tianyu SA (1 259), Modiano SA (1 237) and Standard Wool SA (1 134).

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 R154,01/kg; 18,5 microns moved 2,8% up to close at R140,88/kg; 19 microns gained 0,8% to close at R130,73/kg; 19,5 microns strengthened by 0,4% to close at R122,73/kg; 20 microns was 1,4% stronger to close at R122,81/kg; 20,5 microns won 2,9% to close at R121,25/kg; 21,0 microns recovered 0,6% to close at R118,82/kg; 21,5 microns improved by 1,1% to close at R119,84kg; 22 microns rose 0,4% to close at R112,82/kg and 22,5 microns declined by 1,2% to close at R114,12/kg. The next auction is scheduled for 16 September 2020 where approximately ±7 314 bales will be on sale.