Offerings at the Colombo tea auction rose marginally on the previous week to 5.4 million kilograms, meeting what brokers described as good general demand — though at irregular rates and with a slight decline in quality from the Western slopes.
Ex-estate offerings were similar to the week before at 0.6 million kilograms, the Daily Mirror reported in its weekly auction summary. Teas from the Eastern sector held fairly steady in quality.
High growns under pressure
Best Western BOP and BOPF grades declined by Rs. 20 per kilogram, apart from a few select BOPF invoices that held firm or gained by a similar margin. In the Below Best category, higher-priced BOPs fell by Rs. 20 a kilo and more, while the rest sold around previous levels.
At the lower end of the market, BOPs declined by up to Rs. 50 per kilogram. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs met poor demand and were often difficult to sell. Uda Pussellawa BOPs were up to Rs. 50 easier, while the corresponding BOPFs sold at firm to marginally dearer rates. Uva BOPs were irregular and the BOPFs barely steady.
High and medium grown CTCs showed no significant change against what the report called a broadly bearish market sentiment, while low grown CTCs continued to sell well at marginally easier rates.
Low growns steady
Low growns totalled approximately 2.3 million kilograms, with fair demand across all categories. In the leafy and semi-leafy catalogues, BOP1s and well-made OP1s were firm. Select Best and Best OP/OPAs sold around previous levels while the balance declined. In the tippy catalogue, Select Best and Best FBOPs were firm and cleaner Below Best types appreciated. Premium catalogue tippy teas generally gained.
Where the buying came from
Interest from shippers to the UK and the continent was limited. Activity improved from buyers shipping to the CIS across a wide cross-section of teas, while shippers to Japan, China and the Middle East remained active at their usual levels. South Africa bought selectively.
The volume compares with the 5.1 million kilograms offered in mid-September. The Daily Mirror’s summary carries no average price per kilogram for the sale, and no total value.