Offering at Colombo Tea Auction remains grim

The total offering at the Colombo Tea Auction was similar to last and totalled 4.6 million kilogrammes, which was met with less demand. The prices were firm to easier, particularly as the sale progressed. 
The Ex-Estate offerings totalled 0.6 million kilogrammes. There was less demand, particularly as the sale progressed.  
The Best Westerns – a small selection of BOP/BOPFs, were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others declined by a similar margin and more following quality. In the Below Best category, the BOPs declined by Rs.50-80 per kilogramme, whilst the Plainer sorts eased up to Rs.50 per kilogramme. 
The corresponding BOPFs – majority of the teas, declined by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more. The Nuwara Eliya BOPs were mostly unsold, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were selectively dearer, following quality. The Uva/Uda Pussellawa – Better BOPs, declined up to Rs.100 per kilogramme, whilst the others were firm and lower to a lesser extent. The corresponding BOPFs declined by Rs.30-50 per kilogramme. 
The High and Medium Grown CTC teas – BP1s, were generally firm. The PF1s in the High Grown category – a select range of invoices, were firm, whilst the others were irregular and easier, following quality. In the Mid Grown category, the teas in the higher price bracket were sharply lower this week, whilst the others were irregular and sold around last week’s levels. 

The Low Grown varieties – BP1s, were mostly firm. The PF1s – select invoices, gained Rs.50-100 per kilogramme, following special inquiry, whilst the others declined by a similar margin, particularly towards the close. 
The Low Grown comprised of 1.89 million kilogrammes. The Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues met with fair demand, whilst the Tippy catalogue met with less demand.     
In the Leafy catalogues – the OP1s in general, were firm, whilst the teas at the bottom eased. A few select Best BOP1s appreciated, following special inquiry. The Best varieties sold around last levels, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom declined. The well-made OPs were firm, whilst the balance was irregular, following quality. The OPAs, in general, were lower. The well-made PEKs were firm to easier, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom declined sharply. The PEK1s, in general, were firm.    
In the Tippy catalogues, a few select Best FBOPs were firm to selectively dearer, on special inquiry, whilst the balance together with the Best and Below Best varieties declined. The clean leaf teas at the bottom were firm, whilst the others were lower. The well-made FF1s were easier. A few clean leaf Below Best varieties sold around last levels, whilst the balance was lower, following quality. 
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas met with good demand and were firm to dearer. The Best and Below Best, particularly the Leafier varieties, appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels. However, the smaller Tippy varieties, in general, were irregular, following quality.