Colombo Tea Auction offering remains static

Auction offerings at the Colombo Tea Auction remained static and totalled 5.6 million kilograms. There was fair demand and a further decline in the unsold volumes. 
Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar to last week and totalled 0.7 million kilograms. Quality of offerings showed no change, whilst it was encouraging to witness improved activity.   
Better Western BOP/BOPF’s gained by Rs. 50 per kg and more following special inquiry, whilst the others were irregular and often easier. 
In the Below Best category, select improved BOP’s gained by Rs. 50-80 per kg and more, whilst the corresponding BOPF’s followed a similar trend. Others together with teas at the lower end of the market sold at firm to marginally dearer rates. Nuwara Eliya – BOP’s sold well, whilst the corresponding BOPF’s were often unsold. 
Uda Pussellawa – BOP’s were barely steady, whilst the corresponding BOPF’s appreciated in keeping with teas at the lower end of the market. Uvas’ – High-priced teas were easier, whilst the others generally sold around last week’s levels.    
High & Medium Grown CTC, BP1’s – Better sorts continued to sell well, whilst the others were irregular. PF1’s – Continued to sell around last week’s levels. Corresponding Low Grown varieties – BP1’s were mostly unsold. PF1’s were often easier by Rs. 20-40 per kg. 
Low Growns comprised of 2.5 million kilograms. All categories met with fair demand.

In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, well-made BOP1’s sold around last, whilst the Below Best together with bolder varieties appreciated. Balance were firm. Select Best and Best OP1’s were maintained, whilst the balance appreciated. Select Best OPA’s were easier, whist the balance together with OP’s sold around last levels. Well-made PEK/PEK1’s sold around last, whilst the balance appreciated. However, the Below Best together with the mixed PEK1 varieties declined substantially.
Well-made FBOP’s were maintained. Clean leaf Below Best together with the bolder varieties appreciated, whilst the balance sold around last levels. FBOP1’s, in general, were firm.
Well-made FF1’s were firm. Cleaner Below Best together with the cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated, whilst the balance were irregular.  
In the Premium catalogue, Very Tippy teas were firm. The Best and cleaner Below Best sold around last levels, whilst the balance was irregular. However, the Leafier varieties, in general, were irregularly easier.