Tea auction volumes slip to 5.2 MnKgs

• Tighter supply sparks firmer demand

The overall auction offerings declined further and totalled 5.2 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs), of which approximately 0.6 M/Kgs comprised of reprints. 

There was good general demand, perhaps triggered by the restricted availability. 

The Ex-Estate offerings comprised of 0.7 M/Kgs. The overall quality of the teas on offer showed no significant change and an irregular trend in prices, often following quality.  

The Better Western BOPs declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer. In the Below Best category, the BOPs in the higher price bracket declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, whilst the others were firm. 

The corresponding BOPFs in the higher price bracket were irregular, following quality, whilst the others sold around last week’s levels. 

At the lower end of the market, the BOPs were firm and dearer, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were generally firm. 

The Nuwara Eliyas were mostly unsold. The Uda Pussellawa BOP/BOPFs gained by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme, respectively, although still continued to sell at the lower end of the market. 

The Uvas – Seasonal teas, continued to sell well though at slightly lower levels to last, with the BOPs ranging between Rs.2,400-2,900 per kilogramme and the corresponding BOPFs selling between Rs.1,800-1,900 per kilogramme. The other non-seasonal teas sold around last week’s levels.   

The CTC teas were generally firm, whilst the corresponding Low Grown varieties witnessed a little more buyer activity this week. 

A selection of liquoring Large Leaf teas attracted fairly useful support and sold well. 

Selective interest was seen from the shippers to the UK. Fair activity was seen from the shipper to the continent, Japan and perhaps China. Less activity was seen from the shippers to South Africa, whilst the shippers to the Middle East and CIS continued to operate as usual.  

The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.3 M/Kgs, with the Leafy category witnessing less demand, whilst the Semi-Leafy, Tippy and Premium categories met with fair demand.

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the well-made BOP1s were firm, whilst the Below Best together with the bolder varieties were easier. The teas at the bottom maintained. 

The Select Best and Best OP1s were easier, whilst the Below Best together with the bolder varieties appreciated. The teas at the bottom followed a similar trend.  

The well-made OPs were firm, whilst the balance appreciated. The high-priced OPAs gained, whilst the balance was firm to dearer, following quality. The PEK/PEK1s, in general, appreciated, whilst the smaller PEK1 varieties sold around last levels. 

In the Tippy catalogue, the Select Best FBOPs were firm to easier. The Best together with the Below Best varieties were firm on last, whilst the balance eased. 

However, a selection of bolder varieties appreciated, whilst the balance sold at last levels. The Select Best FF1s were firm. The Best together with the cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm, whilst the balance together with the teas at the bottom were easier. 

In the Premium catalogue, the Very Tippy Teas were firm to dearer, whilst the Best and Below Best were firm, following quality. The balance together with the Leafier varieties were easier.