Offerings at Colombo Tea Auction limited to 4.2 MnKgs this week

• Substantially lower volume to usual offerings at sale during this time of year
• Shippers to Iran, Iraq and Turkey operated aggressively

The offerings at the Colombo Tea Auction were limited to 4.2 MnKgs this week, which is substantially a lower volume to the usual offerings at the sale during this time of the year. However, the quantities were met with good demand.

The Ex-Estate offerings were restricted to 0.57 MnKg and the overall quality of the offerings were similar to last. 
The Western BOP/BOPFs were mostly firm with select invoices appreciating Rs.50 per kg following quality/special inquiry. The BOP/BOPFs from the Nuwara Eliya region were limited and perhaps failed to generate adequate interest following relatively uninteresting quality. 

 The Uda Pussellawas were irregular and easier. The Uva BOPs continued to sell well, whilst the corresponding BOPFs declined by Rs.50-100 per kg and more. 

The High and Medium CTCs – BP1s had hardly any offerings, whilst the PF1s generally sold around last week’s levels with price fluctuations once again following quality. The Low Grown CTCs – BP1s were mostly easier by Rs.50-100 per kg, whilst the PF1s sold around last week’s levels. 

The Low Growns comprised of 1.8 MnKgs in the Leafy/Semi Leafy and Tippy catalogues. The well-made teas continued to attract good demand and the prices improved further.  

The shippers to Iran, Iraq and Turkey operated aggressively. In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, the Select Best BOP1/OP1s were barely steady, whilst the improved Below Best varieties, though irregular, were firm. The teas at the lower end were dearer. The well-made OP/OPAs in general were fully firm to dearer, whilst the others and poorer sorts gained further. The select Best PEK/PEK1s were fully firm, whilst the improved Below Best varieties gained. The teas at the lower end were fully firm to dearer.

In the Tippy catalogues, the select Best FBOPs were firm to easier, whilst the Best varieties sold around last levels. However, the Below Best and teas at the bottom appreciated. The select Best and Best FF1s were firm, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom appreciated. In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas together with the Best declined, whilst the Below Best and teas at the bottom were firm.