Less activity in Iran continues to impact tea prices

At the Colombo Tea Auction this week, less activity from Iran continued to impact the tea prices, in general.
The auction offerings were barely maintained and totalled 5.8 M/Kgs. There was fair demand.
The Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.9 M/Kgs. Improved activity was seen for the better teas, whilst the prices for the teas at the lower end of the market were barely maintained, with the poorer types often difficult of sale. 
The Best Western BOP/BOPFs gained by Rs.50-100 per kilogramme and more for select invoices, following quality/special inquiry, whilst the others were irregular. In the Below Best category too, the select BOP/BOPF invoices gained by Rs.50-100 per kilogramme, with select invoices of the latter appreciating even further, following special inquiry. 

The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs continued to sell well this week as well, at firm to dearer rates, which is indeed encouraging. The Uda Pussellawa BOPs declined by Rs.50 per kilogramme, with many withdrawals, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were irregular and barely steady. The Uva BOPs were Rs.20-40 per kilogramme easier. The corresponding BOPFs – Clean leaf types, were firm, whilst the others were easier.  
The overall price structure for BOPs at the lower end of the market continued to be of concern, with a price parity of over Rs.100 per kilogramme plus vis-à-vis their corresponding BOPF invoices. Many BOPs at the lower end of the market continued to remain unsold, due to a lack of suitable bids, whilst the poorer BOPFs too lost value further this week.  
The High and Mid Grown CTC teas – BP1s, had hardly any offerings, whilst the PF1s were barely maintained. The corresponding Low Grown types – BP1s, were mostly unsold. The PF1s – Select Best, were barely maintained, whilst the others were Rs.20-40 per kilogramme easier. 
Selective buying was seen from the shippers from the UK, the continent and South Africa. The shippers to Japan were fairly active, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to operate as usual, bidding on a fair cross-section of the teas.   
The Low Growns comprised of 2.6 M/Kgs. The Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy categories met with fair demand, whilst the Premium catalogue witnessed less demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the Select Best and Best BOP1s were easier, whilst the balance together with the bolder varieties were irregular. The Select Best and Best OP1s were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels. The high-priced OPs maintained, whilst the Best, Below Best and poorer sorts were easier. The smaller varieties followed a similar trend. The OPAs, in general, were lower. The High-priced PEKs were firm, whilst the Best and Below Best together with the mixed/open varieties declined. The teas at the bottom sold around last levels. The PEK1s, in general, maintained.
In the Tippy catalogue, a few Select Best FBOPs were easier, whilst the balance together with the teas at the bottom were firm on last. The bolder varieties were firm to irregularly lower. The Select Best FF1s 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 was easier.
In the Premium catalogue, the Tippy teas in general declined.