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Sable/Marten
Last year we realized strong demand for sable; however, the market was
softer with excellent clearances. Russia and China are showing the greatest
interest and this will be the case this coming season. FHA`s collection
is considered the finest to be found on this continent and we have led
the market on this article for some time now. The bigger sizes are in
the greatest demand with darker colours bringing a premium all, of which
are used to supply the trim trade. Smaller sizes are the ones being used
in full garments. Sable remains as the status symbol of luxury in the
fur business and we expect to see improvement this season as Russia is
now showing signs of improvement against the world financial crisis.
Lynx
Last year lynx prices took a big adjustment with demand and clearances
strong on the clearer colors. FHA has received the highest prices consistently
the past few years with our northern cats bringing a premium. Again it
is the Russian market commanding this article and expect stronger levels
once Russia recovers.
Lynx Cat
FHA held to strong price levels on all better color cats in the western
sections. This article is very select with a small production of top end
goods coming on the market each year. We have the best of last year’s
cats still for sale and we are optimistic these will move at what we consider
fair value as the season goes along. Once last year’s stock is sold
the Russian market will be looking for better quality cats.
Fisher
This item took a big price hike a few years back with FHA realizing the
highest averages. However the past two seasons have witnessed prices fall
away on this luxury item. Again an article produced in relatively small
quantities. We are expecting to see an improvement on this item as the
season progresses.
Otter
As everyone knows the bottom fell out of the otter market a few years
back as China stepped away. Since then it has been slowly climbing back
with each passing year. Last season we witnessed improvement again with
very strong clearances and customers doing well with their purchases.
Expect the same starting this selling season with northern sections with
the dominant darker colours realizing the stronger averages.
Beaver
This article was the most disappointing of all last season. As North American
dressing companies continue to close, dressing alternatives create a huge
problem. Last year’s sales went mainly to China and if China can
solve the dressing and plucking issue that is causing the problem, this
article will improve only then. Eastern beaver will receive the better
prices as southern , heavy leathered sections will be difficult to market.
Castor prices are however very good.
Wild Mink
Remains a big disappointment as competition is limited with a few Italian
accounts showing interest. Price levels are expected to open at last season
levels.
Muskrat
Fueled by strong demand coming from China, we expect muskrat to be one
of the better items this year. Chinese buyers will see competition from
Canadian and from the old eastern block countries and this will make for
a healthy market for trappers who target this species.
Raccoon
Renewed interest in trimming items should help the heavier northern sections
especially for the better colours. Semi heavy raccoon will need a strong
turnaround in the Russian retail market in order to get supply back in
line with demand. Despite the vastly reduced prices of last spring, unsold
skins both raw and dressed still remain in the system. This backlog needs
to be cleared up before favorable conditions return.
Red Fox
We expect demand will be greatest for better quality darker coloured foxes
from heavy and semi-heavy eastern sections. Centrals are seeing interest
but at reduced levels. Expect western section to move at last year’s
levels.
Cross Fox
This item has been a strong performer the last few years and we expect
good demand again this year for this unique pelt.
Grey Fox
Good demand at last season levels.
Coyote
Demand will be greatest for paler western heavies, better qualities from
Eastern heavies sections will see decent demand. Semi heavy sections will
continue to struggle. Low grades will likely again be of no value. We
encourage trappers to be selective on what they skin.
Respectfully
Mark Downey
Chief Executive Officer
Fur Harvesters Auction Inc.
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