Kopenhagen fur sales drew a record crowd of buyers competed strongly for the season’s final offering. Over 600 buyers were on hand for the event, with approximately 400 from the Far East alone. The collection of more than 5 million skins spanned six selling days and, at press time, was moving at a 100% clip. It quickly became apparent that, at the sale’s end, the averages would represent the highest levels of the year, but would still be well below the peaks that were reached last year.

Prices at Kopenghagen fur sales were ranging from firm to s much as 15% or more over April auction level. When it was over, the company calculated that prices were 5% to 10% higher than recent international levels.

The auction opened with a small offering of blue foxes which were all sold at firm prices. The main strength was shown in the mink catalogs, starting with the whites and other mutations. Throughout the catalogs, the so-called velvet types – or short-napped versions – consistently brought substantial premiums over the classic types. Usually, the premiums were in the 8% to 10% range, but also went up to 25% or 30% in the case of palominos. The clear message was that the international market – notably China – is willing to pay more for the short-napped mink.

The Black Males and females advanced 6% over April levels and were 100% under strong competition. China again was the dominant buyer, but there was good support from Korea on the better females. Here, too, the velvet types drew about a 10% premium over the classic skins. ... ... Read More