Bullish trend in prices at Colombo Tea Auction this week

The Colombo Tea Auction offerings totalled 5.3 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), marginally lower to 5.6 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. 
Improved widespread demand and a firm to dearer trend in prices were seen. Renewed activity from the shippers to Iran combined with an improvement in quality of liquoring teas resulted in a bullish trend in prices.  
The Ex-Estate offerings totalled 0.8 M/Kgs, down from 0.9 M/Kgs on offer the previous week. The overall quality of teas from the Western slopes showed an improvement in seasonal quality and had on offer a wider selection as well. 
Consequently, the Best Western BOP/BOPFs gained by Rs.100 per kilogramme and substantially more for select invoices, following quality/special inquiry. Other improved brighter sorts in the Below Best category too appreciated up to Rs.100 per kilogramme and more in instances for select invoices. The BOP/BOPFs at the bottom end of the market were firm and up to Rs.20 per kilogramme dearer. The Nuwara Eliyas more often sold at firm to dearer rates. The Uda Pussellawas continued sluggish, whilst the Uvas were firm and tended dearer.    
The CTC teas showed no significant change in the overall price structure although, here again, witnessed a firm to dearer trend. 
Improved activity was seen for the liquoring teas from the shippers to the UK, Continent, Japan and perhaps South Africa selectively, whilst the interest from the shippers to the CIS continued to be as usual.