Despite a strong market on the eastern seaboard, however, prices in Fremantle were mostly lower for the more common microns.

The eastern market indicator (EM) lifted by 1.4pc, or 11c/kg, to close on 786c/kg.

Regional indicators:

Northern, in Sydney, up 10c/kg, to 808ck.

Southern, in Melbourne, up 13c/kg, to 771c/kg.

Western, in Fremantle, down 1c/kg, to 771c/kg.

In Sydney, most microns in the range sold 15 to 20 cents lifted above their previous levels, with a strong emphasis on lots with less than 1pc Vm.

The fine end remained very firm to a little dearer.

In Melbourne, AWEX says the Merino fleece market finalised the sales prior to a three week recess with a solid 10 cent increase across the offering.

The odd lot of best style 18 microns and finer increased up to 15 cents, while the 21 to 23 microns were 15 to 20 cents above Tuesday’s opening levels.

In Fremantle, the lower prices were mostly for the more common microns - 20 to 22.5-microns, which eased by 5 cents, when compared to last Thursday.

However, the finer microns found some support and firmed by a few cents.

A total of 42,086 bales was offered nationally this week and nearly 12pc were passed in nationally.

The next sales after the winter recess, which coincide with the northern hemisphere's peak holiday period, resume in the week starting August 3.