Overall Auction offerings totalled 6.0 million Kgs, showing no change over the previous week's offerings. Large and Semi-Leafy Orthodox teas continued to sell reasonably well, whilst the Orthodox/Rotovane teas met with improved activity for a selection of the better teas which consequently appreciated in value.
Ex-Estate offerings comprised of 0.88 million Kgs, marginally below the previous week's offerings of 0.94 million Kgs. Improved activity, particularly for the better teas.
A selection of Western BOP/BOPF's in the Best and Below Best category gained by Rs. 20-40 per kg, whilst the others were firm and dearer to a lesser extent. At the lower end of the market, BOP's which were often unsold appreciated by Rs. 50-100 per kg, perhaps in the backdrop of limited availability. Corresponding BOPF's - Select clean leaf teas were Rs. 20 per kg dearer, whilst the other poorer sorts were at times neglected. Nuwara Eliyas' continued to witness a sluggish market. Uda Pussellawa BOP's continued to sell poorly at the lower end of the market. Corresponding BOPF's whilst selling at the lower end recorded price gains of up to Rs. 50 per kg. Uva seasonal teas - BOP's continued to sell well with select Large Leaf and PEK/PEK1 invoices selling at firm to dearer rates, whilst the corresponding BOPF's continued to witness much less interest with a majority of the teas receiving bids far below sellers expectations. Non-seasonal teas - A few select BOP invoices were firm and dearer, whilst the others where sold were marginally lower to last. Corresponding BOPF's - Clean leaf teas were firm and Rs. 20 per kg dearer, whilst the others were irregular.
High & Mid Grown CTC teas continued to witness a bearish market sentiment with select coloury invoices appreciating marginally on last. Low Grown varieties continued to sell at a premium notwithstanding the poorer invoices declining by Rs. 20-40 per kg on its previous week's price levels.
In general, improved and wider buyer participation, perhaps triggered by the anticipation of lower volumes.
Low Growns totalled approximately 2.4 million Kgs. Fair demand was witnessed in the Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories, whilst the Premium category met with less demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, BOP1's together with well-made OP1's and cleaner Below Best were firm, whilst the balance declined. High-priced OP's sold around last, whilst the balance together with the OPA's declined. Select Best and Best PEK's were firm to easier, whilst the Below Best together with the bolder/open varieties appreciated. Teas at the bottom were firm. Well-made PEK1's together with the clean leaf teas at the bottom were firm to dearer, whilst the Below Best together with the mixed/open types were easier.
In the Tippy catalogue, well-made FBOP/FF1's together with the cleaner Below Best were firm, whilst the balance were irregular following quality.
In the Premium catalogue, Tippy teas in general declined.
TEA AUCTION DETAILS
| AUCTION NO. | 32 | 31 | ||
| Dates | 17th/18th August 2026 | 11th/12th August 2026 | ||
| No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | No. of Lots | No. of Kgs | |
| Ex Estate | 860 | 841,850 | 893 | 883,313 |
| High & Medium | 1,370 | 565,596 | 1,576 | 644,744 |
| Leafy | 2,189 | 784,573 | 2,319 | 861,422 |
| Semi Leafy | 1,566 | 619,212 | 1,714 | 684,753 |
| Tippy | 1,908 | 859,797 | 1,964 | 886,419 |
| Premium/Flowery | 293 | 38,507 | 304 | 40,876 |
| Off Grades | 2,309 | 1,140,274 | 2,457 | 1,224,170 |
| Dust | 558 | 495,361 | 670 | 604,379 |
| Grand Total | 11,053 | 5,345,170 | 11,897 | 5,830,076 |
(Source- Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers)
