The total auction offerings were marginally higher to last week and totalled 5.4 million kilogrammes (M/Kgs).
There was a good general demand at irregular rates.
The Ex-Estate offerings were similar to last and totalled 0.6 M/Kgs.
The overall quality of the teas from the Western slopes continued to show a slight decline, whilst the offerings from the Eastern Sector remained fairly similar.
The Best Western BOP/BOPFs declined by Rs.20 per kilogramme, except for a few Select BOPF invoices that were firm and dearer by a similar margin.
In the Below Best category, the BOPs in the higher price bracket declined by Rs.20 per kilogramme and more, whilst the others sold around last levels.
The corresponding BOPFs – teas in the higher price bracket, were firm and Rs.20 per kilogramme easier, whilst the others sold around last levels.
At the lower end of the market, the BOPs declined by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding FGS sold around last levels.
The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs met with poor demand and were often difficult of sale.
The Uda Pussellawa BOPs were up to Rs.50 per kilogramme easier, whilst the corresponding BOPFs sold at firm to marginally dearer rates.
The Uva BOPs were irregular, whilst the BOPFs were barely steady.
The High and Medium Grown CTCs showed no significant change, although overall there was a bearish market sentiment. The corresponding Low Growns continued to sell well although at marginally easier rates.
Limited interest was seen from the shippers to the UK and the continent. Improved activity was seen from the shippers to the CIS on a wide cross-section of the teas, whilst the shippers to Japan, China and the Middle East continued to be active in the usual manner. South Africa purchased in a selective manner.
The Low Growns totalled approximately 2.3 M/Kgs. All categories witnessed a fair demand.
In the Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues, the BOP1s together with the well-made OP1s were firm, whilst the balance was irregular.
The Select Best and Best OP/OPAs sold around last levels, whilst the balance declined. The PEKs, in general, were easier, whilst the PEK1s were firm. In the Tippy catalogue, the Select Best and Best FBOPs were firm, whilst a selection of cleaner and neater Below Best types appreciated.
The balance sold around last levels. The well-made FF1s were irregular, whilst the balance was firm. In the Premium catalogue, the Tippy teas in general appreciated.
