Offering at Colombo Tea Auction continues to remain low

 The offering at the Colombo Tea auction continued to be low and totalled 4.8 million kilogrammes, which was met with fair demand, mostly at firm to easier rates. 

The Ex-Estate offerings too were lower to last and totalled 0.65 million kilogrammes. Better overall demand though prices for a majority of the teas on offer, in general, was mostly firm to easier, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.
The Best Western BOP/BOPFs – a few select invoices, were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others declined by a similar margin. In the Below Best category, the clean leaf coloury BOPs were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others declined by a similar margin. 

The corresponding BOPFs followed a similar trend, with a selection of teas appreciating by Rs.50-100 per kilogramme, following special inquiry, whilst the others declined by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more. At the lower end, the BOPs were irregular, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme lower. 
The Nuwara Eliya BOPs had hardly any offerings, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were dearer, following quality. The Uda Pussellawa – Better BOPs, declined by Rs.100 per kilogramme. The corresponding BOPFs declined by Rs.50-100 per kilogramme, whilst the others too were easier to a lesser extent. The Uva BOPs declined by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding BOPFs declined by Rs.50-100 per kilogramme. 
The High and Medium Grown CTC teas – BP1s, sold around last. The PF1s – Better sorts, were Rs.50-80 per kilogramme easier, whilst the others were irregular. The corresponding Low Grown types, BP1s continued to sell around last, whilst the PF1s declined by an average Rs.50-80 per kilogramme. 
Less activity from the shippers to the UK and Japan was seen, whilst the shippers to the CIS continued to bid on a wide cross-section of teas, although at lower levels to last.  
The Low Growns comprised of 1.9 million kilogrammes. The Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy catalogues met with fair demand.     
In the Leafy catalogues, the high-priced OP1s were firm to marginally easier, whilst the balance declined. The teas at the bottom sold around last levels. A few select Best BOP1s were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the balance declined. A few select Best OPs were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the others sold around last levels. The OPAs, in general, were lower. The well-made PEKs were firm to easier, whilst the balance declined. However, the PEK1s in general were firm.  
In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs together with the bolder varieties were easier. The Cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm, whilst the balance eased. The Select Best and Best FF1s were lower. A few cleaner Below Best and a few cleaner teas at the bottom sold around last levels, whilst the balance was easier, following quality. 
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas met with good demand and were firm. The Best, Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the others sold around last levels.