Further strength in the finer microns was somewhat overshadowed last week by weakness in the broader types. 19.5-microns was the pivot point with finer microns gaining 20 to 40 cents whilst the broader microns fell 20 cents.
Over the past month the finer microns have firmed slightly whilst 21 to 23-microns have lost ground, resulting in the Northern Region 19 – 21 micron price differential jumping from 25 cents in early August to 134 cents this week. Thursday provided a strong finish to the week, with all fleece categories closing in front. Lots with a low CVH found good support attracting significant premiums to the rest of the market. The skirting market followed a similar trend with finer microns holding up reasonably well. While the medium to broader microns were generally 10 to 20 cents cheaper.
Crossbreds were reasonably limited in supply but managed to post increases for the broader microns, while the finer end eased. Oddments also firmed slightly on a limited selection.