Colombo Tea Auction offering declines to 5.8 MnKgs this week

The total availability at the Colombo Tea Auction declined to 5.8 million kilogrammes this week, from 6.4 million kilogrammes on offer the previous week. 
In general, a firm to easier trend was seen, perhaps due to a combination of a decline in volumes and a preview of better availability in future offerings, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said. 
The Ex-Estate offerings too recorded a decline and totalled 0.8 million kilogrammes vis-à-vis 0.9 million kilogrammes on offer the previous week. The quality of offerings, particularly from the Western slopes, showed a decline.  
The prices for the teas in the higher-price bracket often declined by Rs.50 per kilogramme and more following quality. A selection of teas in the Below Best category sold around last week’s levels, with select invoices appreciating in value. The prices at the lower end too recorded a decline of Rs.20-40 per kilogramme and more. 
The Nuwara Eliyas were often neglected, due to the plainer quality. The Uda Pussellawas sold around last, whilst the Uvas were firm and up to Rs.50 per kilogramme easier.  

The High and Medium Grown CTC teas – BP1s, were irregular against the backdrop of limited availability, whilst the PF1s were firm and marginally easier. The corresponding Low Grown types declined by up to Rs.100 per kilogramme. 
With this week’s decline in the Low Grown CTC prices, the producers, who have a dual manufacturing operation, are likely to channel larger volumes via their Orthodox process, as the current prices would be disadvantageous and unremunerative. Consequently, the availability of the Low Grown CTCs in future sales may decline quite considerably. 
The Low Growns comprised of 2.6 million kilogrammes. The Leafy and Semi-Leafy categories met with fair demand, whilst the Tippy category met with good demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the high-priced BOP1s were firm, whilst the balance declined. Few Select Best OP1s were firm on last, following a special inquiry, whilst the balance was easier. The OP/OPAs, in general, were lower. The Select Best and Best PEKs sold around last levels, whilst the balance together with the PEK1s were easier.
In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs were firm, whilst the clean leaf Below Best and the clean leaf teas at the bottom together with the bolder varieties appreciated. The Select Best FF1s were easier, whilst the Best together with the clean leaf Below Best were firm. The teas at the bottom were lower, following quality.
In the Premium catalogues, the Very Tippy teas met with good demand and were firm. The Best and Below Best too sold around last levels, whilst the balance was easier following quality.