From the start of the season to the end of the season, prices for 17,18 and 19 micron Australian wool in US dollar terms increased very strongly.
In contrast, cashmere prices increased by moderately, alpaca prices remained steady, and mohair prices decreased strongly. Fine wool also equalled or outperformed cashmere, alpaca and mohair in season-average price gains.
Strong demand for luxury items, supported by strong global economic growth, and fashion trends towards natural fibres, lighter weight fabrics and wool blends drove the price rises for cashmere for 2006/07.
Mohair prices fell over 2006/07 and on average were less than last year. Price resistance from processing mills and exchange rate uncertainty negatively affected prices while strong demand for mohair in high-end women's and men's fashion helped prices recover marginally from January 2007.
The greater price gains for fine wool may be due to a catch up in the demand for wool, potentially combined with some increases in supply of the non-wool luxury fibres.
Australian Wool Innovation Limited
marketing@alchempro.com
