A firmer $A, however, was the main contributor this week, rather than reduced demand.

The eastern market indicator (EMI) fell by 9c/kg (-1.1pc), to close the week at 779c/kg.

In a three-day sale in Newcastle and a two-day sale in Melbourne, the EMI fell by 3c/kg on Tuesday, by 9c/kg on Wednesday and rose by 3c/kg on Thursday.

Although prices were generally down this week, this was largely associated with the 2.4pc increase in the US exchange rate, according to the Australian Wool Industries Secretariat.

Indeed, the EMI actually rose by 7USc for those buying in US currency, such as our biggest customer, China.

The US exchange rate, at US65.03c on Thursday, rose by 2.4pc compared with that of the last sale.

But against the euro, it fell by 2.2pc when compared with the previous sale.

Closing values in $As for our regional indicators this week were:

• Northern (Newcastle), down 12c/kg, to 807c/kg.

• Southern (Melbourne), down 7c/kg, to 756c/kg.

• Western (Fremantle), down by 9c/kg, to 745c/kg.

The western indicator fell by 8c on Wednesday and by 1c on Thursday, in a two-day sale in Fremantle.

A total of 43,244 bales were on offer nationally, compared with 36,468 bales last week.

Of these, 13pc were passed in.

Falls were seen across nearly all Merino and crossbred micron ranges, but were more confined to fleece types rather than to skirtings.

Prices rose among the superfine wools in Newcastle on Tuesday, but eased on Wednesday and on Thursday, with the exception of wools around 15 microns, which were keenly sought.

It was a small offering in Newcastle by previous standards, with only 12,172 bales and the quality was generally down on that of the last sale.

Buyers for Italy played their normal leading role in Newcastle while buyers for China were dominant elsewhere.

Support came from those buying for India.

Sales will be held in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle next week, with 50,685 bales currently rostered for sale.

Present estimates for the following two sales are 45,972 bales and 43,712 bales, respectively - an increase of 12.5pc over the three-sale period when compared with last year's figures.

There was, however, no sale in week 25 last year, contributing to the apparent +12.5pc year-on-year comparison.