Available data show that Australia's raw wool exports fell in April year-on-year, but the value of raw wool exports rose year-on-year. The year-on-year fall in export volumes was larger than the fall in March, which ended a run of year-on-year increases in export volumes since August 2006.
The year-on-year value increase was the smallest for the season since September 2006, when the current upturn in export value growth started.
Australian raw wool sales at auction in March clearly explains the drop in export volumes for April - as export shipment preparation takes about a month. The increase in export values is explained by the decrease in volume and the high wool prices year-on-year in March.
By micron category, both 19 micron and finer and 20-23 micron wool exports fell in April year-on-year. In contrast, exports of Australia's much smaller export micron categories, 24-27 micron and 28 micron and greater, increased in April year-on-year.
The fall in exports of fine wool comes after two months of strong increases in export volumes. The large decrease in exports of 20-23 micron category reflects the significantly lower auction offerings due to lower production of this wool with the drought. The value of exports for all micron categories increased in April year-on-year.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
