Auction offerings were barely maintained and totalled 5.8 million Kgs. There was fair demand. Less activity from Iran continues to impact tea prices, in general.
Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.9 million Kgs. Improved activity for the better teas, whilst prices for teas at the lower end of the market were barely maintained with the poorer types often difficult of sale.
Best Western BOP/BOPF's gained by Rs. 50-100 per kg and more for select invoices following quality/special inquiry, whilst the others were irregular. In the Below Best category too, select BOP/BOPF invoices gained by Rs. 50-100 per kg with select invoices of the latter appreciating even further following special inquiry. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF's continued to sell well this week as well at firm to dearer rates which is indeed encouraging. Uda Pussellawa BOP's declined by Rs. 50 per kg with many withdrawals, whilst the corresponding BOPF's were irregular and barely steady. Uva BOP's were Rs. 20-40 per kg easier. Corresponding BOPF's - Clean leaf types were firm, whilst the others were easier.
Overall price structure for BOP's at the lower end of the market continued to be of concern with a price parity of over Rs. 100 per kg plus vis-à-vis their corresponding BOPF invoices. Many BOP's at the lower end of the market continued to remain unsold due a lack of suitable bids, whilst the poorer BOPF's too lost value further this week.
High & Mid Grown CTC teas - BP1's had hardly any offerings, whilst the PF1's were barely maintained. Corresponding Low Grown types - BP1's were mostly unsold. PF1's - Select Best were barely maintained, whilst the others were Rs. 20-40 per kg easier.
Selective buying from shippers from the UK, the continent and South Africa. Shippers to Japan were fairly active, whilst shippers to the CIS continued to operate as usual bidding on a fair cross-section of the teas.
Low Growns comprised of 2.6 million Kgs. Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with fair demand, whilst the Premium catalogue witnessed less demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, Select Best and Best BOP1's were easier, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties were irregular. Select Best and Best OP1's were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels. High-priced OP's maintained, whilst the Best, Below Best and poorer sorts were easier. The smaller varieties followed a similar trend. OPA's, in general, were lower. High-priced PEK's were firm, whilst the Best and Below Best together with the mixed/open varieties declined. Teas at the bottom sold around last levels. PEK1's, in general, maintained.
In the Tippy catalogue, a few Select Best FBOP's were easier, whilst the balance together with the teas at the bottom were firm on last. The bolder varieties were firm to irregularly lower. Select Best FF1's were dearer, whilst the Best together with the Below Best varieties were firm to dearer following quality. The balance together with the teas at the bottom were easier.
In the Premium catalogue, Tippy teas in general declined.
TEA AUCTION DETAILS
| AUCTION NO. | 09 | 08 | |||
| Dates | 04th / 05th Mar 2025 | 25th / 26th Feb 2025 | |||
| No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | ||
| Ex Estate | 862 | 846,921 | 905 | 918,113 | |
| High & Medium | 1,247 | 532,110 | 1,304 | 571,650 | |
| Leafy | 1,933 | 709,366 | 2,007 | 753,915 | |
| Semi Leafy | 1,580 | 645,307 | 1,714 | 713,705 | |
| Tippy | 1,870 | 860,488 | 2,060 | 987,682 | |
| Premium/Flowery | 390 | 57,010 | 476 | 69,479 | |
| Off Grades | 2,257 | 1,114,234 | 2,048 | 1,021,471 | |
| Dust | 626 | 559,237 | 611 | 547,237 | |
| Grand Total | 10,765 | 5,324,673 | 11,125 | 5,583,252 | |
(Source- Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers)
