This week’s EMI lifted by 25c/kg, to 873c/kg, with most wool types closing 20c-30c/kg higher.

Viewed in the eyes of our major customers, the recovery was even more impressive than indicated at auction, with the EMI rising by 3.3pc in $US, reflecting the higher exchange rate.

Chinese buyers faced a $A lifting to US92.48c by the close of sales this week. The exchange rate also rose for the Europeans, with the $A reaching 61.7 euro cents by Thursday.

Despite pressure from the rising $A, wool prices have lifted by 20pc since the start of the 2009-10 wool selling season in July.

Performance of the regional indicators this week were:

• Northern, in Sydney, up 19c/kg, to 895c/kg.

• Southern, in Melbourne, up 31c/kg, to 855c/kg.

• Western, in Fremantle, up 18c/kg, to 868c/kg.

AWEX reports that just under 48,000 bales were offered nationally - about the same sized offering as that of last week.

AWEX says the largest sale for the season is expected next week when over 53,000 bales will be be offered in three centres, including a three-day sale in Newcastle.