Tea prices at the Colombo Auction rose this week amid tight supply, with total offerings amounting to 6.1 million kilogrammes, slightly down from last week’s 6.4 million kg.
There was strong overall demand, supported by a firm to dearer price trend due to expected lower volumes and a favourable exchange rate for exporters.
Ex-Estate offerings remained at 0.8 million kg, with overall quality similar to the previous week.
Best Western BOP/BOPFs sold at last week’s levels with minor fluctuations, while brighter varieties in the Below Best category gained up to Rs. 50 per kg.
Nuwara Eliya teas were mostly unsold due to lack of suitable bids, while Uva BOPFs with clean leaf showed gains up to Rs. 50 per kg.
CTC teas maintained prices similar to the previous auction.
Liquoring Leafy teas from Eastern and Western sectors attracted steady demand, especially in High and Medium elevations.
Shippers from the UK, CIS, and Middle East were active, while South African buyers showed reduced interest.
Low Grown teas totalled about 2.5 million kg, and most Leafy, Semi-Leafy, Tippy, and Premium varieties saw good demand.
Well-made BOP1s, OP1s, and cleaner OPs appreciated, while high-priced OPAs eased slightly.
In the Tippy catalogue, Select Best FBOPs and FF1s appreciated or held firm, while lower-end teas remained steady or irregular.
Premium Tippy teas saw strong demand and significant price increases, with Best and Below Best also gaining modestly.
