High-quality teas lead firming trend as auctions see moderate supply

Total auction offerings were barely maintained and totalled 5.0 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), of which the reprinted quantity comprised of 0.37 M/Kgs. 

Once again, there was a good general demand against the backdrop of limited availability.

The Ex-Estate offerings comprised of 0.65 M/Kgs. The overall quality of the teas was reasonably well maintained and witnessed a strong demand and in general, a firm to dearer trend in prices. 

The Best Western BOPs were irregular, following quality. The corresponding BOPFs – Select invoices, gained by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme and more, following special inquiry, whilst the others were irregular and the prices tend to fluctuate, following quality. 

In the Below Best category, the select clean leaf coloury BOPs gained by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the others were irregular. The corresponding BOPFs gained by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme. At the lower end, the BOPs were barely steady. The corresponding BOPFs – Better teas, were barely steady, whilst the poorer sorts gained by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme. 

The Nuwara Eliyas were mostly unsold. The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were irregular. The corresponding BOPFs – Clean Small Leaf types, were up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others were barely steady. The Uva BOPs – Select invoices, were firm and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others were barely steady. The corresponding BOPFs were firm and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer. 

The CTC teas continued to sell around last, with no significant change in pricing. 

Fair activity was seen from the shippers to the UK, Japan and China. The shippers to South Africa were somewhat selective, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to be active on a wide cross-section of the teas. 

The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.2 M/Kgs. All categories met with fair demand. 

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the BOP1s in general were firm. The high-priced OP1s were easier, whilst the balance appreciated. The high-priced OPAs were irregular, whilst the balance together with the OPs were dearer. The PEK/PEK1s, in general, appreciated. 

In the Tippy catalogue, the well-made FBOP/FF1s were easier, whilst the balance in general was firm.

In the Premium catalogue, a selection of Very Tippy teas sold around last levels, whilst the balance eased.