Wool-Textile News
January 2005 --
Elders Wool to Run Auction in China
The Wool Record recently reported intent by Elders Wool Group to auction 938 bales, about 120 tons clean, of Australian merino wool in China.
If the experimental sale is successful, Elders could go on to hold regular auctions in China. The move is ultimately designed to give Elders? grower clients higher prices by increasing competition for wool in what is by far the largest market for the Australian clip.
Elders? head of wool, Steven Read, indicated that buyers at the trial sale in Nanjing will be confined to Chinese companies with import and export licenses, or traders with licensed purchasing agents. If the company proceeds with regular auctions in China, however, all buyer clients of Elders will be given the opportunity to participate.
Nine sale lots, comprised of wool ranging from 17.1 to 24 microns, will be offered, and bidding will be in U.S. cents. The wool is presently stored in Australia and has not been previously offered.
Wool Market Falls
Wool prices slumped to their lowest point in 2004 during the week beginning Nov. 6, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corp.
The eastern market indicator opened the selling that week at 757 cents a kilo clean, 58 cents lower than during the same time the previous year.
The industry cited a strengthening Australian dollar and low demand from China for the new low.
In related news, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported that exporters are feeling the pinch from a strong Aussie dollar. The $A breached the 79 US cent level in late November, and is anticipated to trade at this level for some time.
Wool markets in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa all continue to decline under the on-going currency pressure.
Wool Blended Fabrics to Usher in Spring 2006 Fashion
Four innovative fabrics, all wool blends, have been introduced for the Spring apparel markets of 2006. The fabrics and their makers include: a wool/silk blend being produced by Macquarie Textiles in Australia; a fine wool/lycra blend by Clissold in the United Kingdom; a wool crepe by Parkland, also in the United Kingdom; and a wool/linen by Ulster Weavers in Ireland.?The fabrics have created a real buzz because they really offer something new,? said Woolmark UK Commercial Director Malcolm Campbell, in a Fiber 2 Fashion interview.
Campbell said the new wool blends all have something a bit different to offer. For example, the crepe uses conventional yarn rather than high twist yarn, which gives the fabric a softer handle but maintains the crepe look. The wool/lycra blend offers a beautiful luster and exceptional draping quality.
The fabrics are the result of a joint effort by the Australian Wool Innovation Ltd. and Woolmark, the world?s leading textile organization, to get more Merino wool in United Kingdom womenswear markets.
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