Bearish sentiments due to declining volumes at Colombo Tea Auction a concern: Brokers

The offerings were barely maintained at the Colombo Tea Auction this week and totalled 5.0 million kilogrammes. There was fair general demand and often the prices appreciated on a selective basis. 
“Amidst the declining volumes, the bearish sentiment in the market would no doubt be a concern,” Forbes and Walker Tea Brokers said.
The Ex-Estate offerings were limited to 0.73 million kilogrammes. The overall quality of teas on offer was barely maintained. The demand was selective and the price appreciations were limited to the best available teas, often supported by special inquiry. The other BOP/BOPFs from the Western slopes were often firm and Rs.50-100 per kilogramme easier, particularly as the sale progressed. 
The CTC varieties sold around last, with the price fluctuations often reflective of the 
qualitative movements.  
The Low Growns were marginally lower to last and totalled 2.1 million kilogrammes. 

The Leafy, Semi-Leafy and Tippy catalogues met with fair demand.     
In the Leafy catalogues, the OP1/BOP1s in general were firm. The OPs sold around last levels, whilst the OPAs declined. The Select Best PEKs were firm to selectively dearer, whilst the Best sold around last levels. The Below Best and mixed varieties declined, whilst the teas at the bottom were fully firm. The PEK1s, in general, were dearer. 
In the Tippy catalogues, the Select Best FBOPs were firm, whilst the Best and Below Best varieties were firm to easier. The teas at the bottom sold around last levels. However, the bolder varieties declined. The well-made FF1s were firm to easier. 
The Cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom sold around last levels, whilst the balance was irregular, following quality.  
In the Premium catalogues, the very Tippy teas sold around last levels. The Cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom appreciated, whilst the balance was firm.