The offerings at the Colombo Tea Auction totalled 5.2 million kilogrammes, marginally lower from the previous week’s 5.4 million kilogrammes. 
The Leafy teas – most categories of tea, sold at firm to dearer rates, with the exception of the PEK grade, which continued to weaken further. The High and Mid Grown BOP/BOPFs met with improved demand and often appreciated in value.   
The Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.6 million kilogrammes. The overall quality showed no significant change, whilst there was improved demand, particularly for the teas in the Below Best and 
Plainer categories. 
In the backdrop of limited availability, the BOPs often appreciated by Rs.100 per kilogramme and more, whilst a majority of the BOPFs appreciated by Rs.50-80 per kilogramme, with select invoices appreciating further. 
The prices for the CTC teas too were maintained around last week’s levels. 

There was improved activity from the shippers to Japan and the CIS, whilst there was less noticeable activity from the shippers to the UK, continent and South Africa.  
The Low Growns comprised of 2.2 million kilogrammes. The Tippy and Premium categories met with good demand and were dearer, whilst the well-made teas in the Leafy catalogue met with fair demand and were fully firm to dearer. However, the balance was easier. The teas in the Semi-Leafy category met with lower demand. 
In the Leafy catalogues, the high-priced OP1/BOP1s were firm to dearer, whilst the balance sold around last levels. The teas at the bottom were easier. The well-made OP/OPAs appreciated, whilst the balance was easier, following quality. The Select Best and Best PEKs were easier, whilst the balance declined substantially. A few high-priced PEK1s appreciated on special inquiry, whilst the balance together with the Best and Below Best were irregular and mostly lower.
In the Tippy catalogues, the FBOPs in general were dearer. The well-made FF1s too were firm to dearer, whilst the clean leaf Below Best and clean leaf teas at the bottom appreciated. The balance was irregular, following quality.
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas together with the Best and Below Best varieties appreciated substantially, whilst the balance gained to a lesser extent.