Impacts of volatility in currency seen at Colombo Tea Auction

The Colombo Tea Auction this week saw the implications of the volatility in the currency, which continues to adversely hit the tea market with a degree of uncertainty, the tea brokers said.
While the offerings recorded a marginal increase and totalled 6.1 million kilogrammes vis-à-vis 5.8 million kilogrammes the previous week, in general, the High and Mid Grown Small Leaf teas met with selective interest and irregular prices. The Large Leaf teas continued to sell reasonably well, said Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers.
The Ex-Estate offerings totalled 0.86 million kilogrammes, down from 0.92 million kilogrammes the previous week. The overall quality of the Westerns together with the Nuwara Eliyas showed no significant change, whilst a small selection of the Uvas showed seasonal improvement. 
The Best Western BOP/BOPFs were irregular, with a small selection of clean leaf teas appreciating in value, following special inquiry, whilst the others were firm and often easier. In the Below Best category, the BOPs were firm and Rs.20-30 per kilogramme easier, whilst the Plainer sorts were often up to Rs.50 per kilogramme lower. 
The corresponding BOPFs followed a similar trend with a small selection of clean leaf/bright liquoring teas appreciating Rs.20-30 per kilogramme, whilst the others often declined by a similar margin. The plainer sorts were irregular and barely steady. The Nuwara Eliya BOPs appreciated up to Rs.200 per kilogramme and more following special inquiry, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were often difficult of sale. The Uda Pussellawas – Clean leaf teas, were firm, whilst the others tended easier. The Uva seasonal BOPs sold between Rs.1,200-2,650 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding BOPFs sold between Rs.1,000-1,900 per kilogramme. The other non-seasonal types – BOPs, declined by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme and more, whilst the corresponding BOPFs eased by Rs.20-30 per kilogramme. 

The High and Mid Grown CTC teas – BP1s, were irregular and barely steady. The PF1s – Better sorts, were firm, whilst the others were irregular and easier. The corresponding Low Grown varieties – BP1s, sold around last levels. The PF1s – Best available, were firm, whilst the others were up to Rs.100 per kilogramme lower. 
The Low Growns comprised of 2.4 million kilogrammes. The Leafy, Semi Leafy and Tippy teas met with selective demand. 
In the Leafy catalogues, the OPs in general were easier. A few select Best OPAs sold around last levels, whilst the others declined. The OP1s in general were lower, whilst a few select Best BOP1s sold around last levels on special inquiry. Others eased. The well-made PEKs were easier, whilst the others sold around last levels. A few high-priced PEK1s were firm to dearer, following special inquiry, whilst the others were firm.  
In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs were easier, whilst the balance sold around last levels. A few select Best FF1s were firm, whilst the balance together with the Best varieties eased. The Below Best and the teas at the bottom were firm on last. 
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas met with improved demand. The best and clean leaf teas were firm, whilst the balance was easier. However, the Leafier varieties appreciated.