The EMI eased by 2c/kg, to 813c/kg.

This deprived growers of benefits from strong overseas demand for wool and the higher prices paid by our major customers.

The $A rose steadily over the week, to close around US86c.

Also, the slide in superfine and fine wool prices continued this week.

There was no relief from the sharp fall in superfine wool prices which hit the Newcastle sales so sharply last week,

In Sydney, the 16.5 micron indicator fell by 30c/kg. The indicator fell by 26c/kg in Melbourne.

AWEX points out, however, that even though the finer micron wools recorded falls of 15-30 cents/kg, these auction prices largely were in line with currency movements.

Wool’s of 19 microns and broader wools mostly rose, with Melbourne’s 19 micron indicator up by 10c/kg.

This week, AWEX’s closing regional indicators values were:

• Northern, in Sydney, down 3c/kg, to 833c/kg.

• Southern, in Melbourne, down 1c/kg, to 796c/kg.

• Western, in Fremantle, down 10c/kg, to 794c/kg.

AWEX reports that just over 44,000 bales were offered nationally in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle this week, in the second biggest sale for the 2009-10 season so far.

A similarly sized catalogue is expected next week when just over 44,000 bales are forecast to be offered nationally in three centres

Last week, the EMI firmed by 3c/kg, despite the fine and superfine wool indicators falling sharply.