LAST week was a good week for wool prices, particularly in US dollars.
While the AWEX's Eastern Market Indicator rose 4c/kg for the week, to 1194c/kg clean, in US dollars the EMI rose 19c/kg, to US1256c/kg.
The surprise of the week was some strong demand for 16.5 micron and finer fleece lines in both Melbourne and Sydney.
Despite coming off a low base, in Sydney, the 16.5-micron indicator rose 46c to 1183c/kg clean while in Melbourne the 16.5-micron was up 33c, to 1875c/kg.
Exporter G Schneider attributed the improved prices to a post-Christmas supply shortage and strong demand from Europe and China.
But as in recent months, the middle micron wools continue to be the strongest performers.
One producer taking advantage of the middle-micron wool market was Tim Mibus from Warrington who sold 50 bales in last week's Elders catalogue.
Among Mr Mibus's top-selling lines, based on Nareeb Nareeb bloodlines, were a nine-bale 19.6-micron line with a yield of 73.8, which sold for 1022c/kg greasy and a 14-bale 21-micron line with a yield of 76.4 per cent for 991c/kg greasy.
Mr Mibus said the prices were up on those he would have received at last year's January sales.
Sales continue today and tomorrow with a national offering of 38,000 bales.
