Good general demand at this week’s tea auction

This week’s auction volumes were fairly similar to last and totalled 5.1 million kilogrammes.
There was a good general demand, except in the Duct category, where the prices were impacted, following inactivity of local buyers, perhaps resulting from the recent imposing of the Value Added Tax, Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.
The Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.7 million kilogrammes. Improved demand for the better teas, which appreciated by Rs.50-100 per kg, was seen in most instances. 

In the Below Best and Plainer categories and in particular the latter, the BOPs were a weak feature and often lost out in value, whilst the BOPFs were firm and dearer. Consequently, the BOPFs continued to realise a premium of Rs.100 per kilogramme and more over the corresponding BOP counterparts.   The CTCs – Better teas, continued to sell around last, whilst the poorer sorts, particularly in the Mid Grown Region, were discounted. 
The shippers to the UK bid selectively on the Best available Western BOP/BOPFs, whilst there was improved activity from the shippers to Japan on a wide cross-section of teas and shippers to the CIS continued to participate in the usual manner.   

The Low Growns comprised of 2.31 million kilogrammes. The Leafy and Tippy categories encountered improved demand, whilst the Semi-Leafy category met with irregular demand.
In the Leafy catalogues, the Select Best OP1s were firm, whilst the Best and Below Best together with the clean leaf teas at the bottom appreciated. The BOP1s, in general, were easier. The OP/OPAs appreciated. The well-made PEKs were firm, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom were irregularly easier. The PEK1s were lower.
In the Tippy catalogues, the well-made FBOPs were firm to dearer, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom appreciated. The FF1s, in general, were dearer.
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas attracted good demand, whilst the Best and clean leaf Below Best were dearer. The balance was easier, following quality.