Average prices increased 6p/kg, from £1.14/kg in the last sale on 18 October to £1.20/kg (€1.28/kg to €1.35/kg), as reflected in Figure 1. The report also highlighted much more competition in the trade, with demand strengthening in particular for carpet-type (coarser grade) wools. This led to a clearance of 91% of the 2,038,028 kilos of wool on offer, a significant lift from 80% and 60% in the previous two sales which offered a similar offering.It is worth noting that the prices quoted are not those returned to producers, with a fee of 30p/kg to 35p/kg deducted for handling, sorting, marketing etc. When producers sell their wool, a forward price is paid up front, depending on the outlook for the market, with the balance paid at the end of the season.