Fair demand at Colombo Tea Auction as offerings ease

The total offerings at this week’s Colombo Tea Auction declined marginally to 5.0 million kilos, compared with 5.4 million kilos sold the previous week, with overall quality described as mostly unchanged.

The market showed fair demand, though trends varied across categories and elevations.

Among the Western High Grown teas, the BOP/BOPF grades in the higher price brackets traded irregularly, with sluggish movement, reflecting quality variations. The lighter liquoring teas, despite the brighter appearance, failed to realise the expected value. The prices improved as the sale progressed, with select coloury invoices appreciating by Rs.20 per kilo or more.

The Nuwara Eliya teas saw limited interest, barely maintaining the previous price levels, while the Uda Pussellawa varieties recorded selective gains though they continued to trade at the lower end of the market. The Uva, BOP grades weakened by Rs.20-40 per kilo, while the BOPF types were mostly steady.

Among the CTC teas, the high and medium-grown PF1s sold around last week’s levels, with the BP1s seeing minimal quantities on offer. The Low-grown CTCs maintained strong momentum, with the BP1s selling at premium levels of Rs.1,300-1,400 per kilo and the PF1s ranging between Rs.1,350-1,450, considered attractive in the current context.

The export participation was mixed: the UK and continental buyers were less active, while Japan, China, the Middle East and CIS continued regular buying. South Africa maintained selective interest.

In the Low Grown sector, the well-made BOP1s and OP1s continued to attract steady demand from the regular buyers. The OP/OPA grades weakened, while the PEK1s were mostly easier, except for the select best lines that appreciated on special inquiry. Among the FBOP and Tippy grades, the better teas continued to be well sought-after, though others were irregular, with the prices fluctuating in line with quality.