An upward trend in non-wool luxury fibre prices is partly the result of positive economic conditions in major consuming countries, supply side constraints and positive fibre and fashion trends.
To some extent, price levels of fine and super-fine wools piggy-backed on the rise in demand for these "luxury" fibres, although the key to the price gain stemmed from overall supply side concerns for Australian apparel-type wool.
This is coupled with low global pipeline stock positions, high capacity utilisation and the best order levels seen in the wool industry in the past five years.
The price for alpaca fell moderately from the high recorded in September, however, the November price was still up very strongly year-on-year.
The price of Chinese cashmere reached its highest level since early 2005.
By contrast to both alpaca and cashmere prices, mohair prices in US$ terms have been trending downwards since peaking in August 2006. Despite this downward price trend, Wool Record suggests that some stability in prices appears to be returning to the market.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
