The quantity of tea arriving at the Colombo Auction this week decreased from 5,295,305.00 Kgs to 4,929,426.00 Kgs which was traded in the previous week’s auction, whilst the Ex-estate quantity decreased from 753,911.00 Kgs to 618,821.00 Kgs.

MARKET SEGMENTS: In the Ex-Estate Category: The best western BOP/BOPFs were dearer up to Rs.50 per Kg.  Below best and plainer BBOPs were firm and Rs.20 per Kg dearer, BBOPFs were dearer up to Rs.50 per Kg.  Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs were barely steady.  Uda Pussella was were irregular.  Uva BOP/BOPF’s – better teas were firm and dearer.  Others were irregular and poor sorts were tending easier.   CTC  BP1’s – select best were dearer by Rs.20-30 per Kg. Others were dearer by Rs.5-10 per Kg. PF1’s – select best were firm to dearer.  Others maintained.

Low Grown Leafy Market Segment:  Select Best OP1’s together with clean/ improved Below Best varieties gained substantially, whilst others and poorer sorts gained to a lesser extent following quality. Select Best BOP1’s together with clean/ improved Below Best varieties gained substantially, whilst others and poorer sorts too gained to a lesser extent. Select Best OP’s were fully firm, whilst improved Below Best varieties gained. Others and poorer sorts too were fully firm to selectively dearer. Select Best OPA’s were fully firm, whilst a selection of improved Below Best varieties gained the following quality. Select Best PEK/PEK1’s together with a range of improved Below Best varieties maintained, whilst others and mixed varieties were barely steady. Teas at the bottom end were fully firm.

In the Tippy Market Segment:  Well-made FBOP’s appreciated, whilst cleaner secondaries and cleaner teas at the bottom gained substantially. Balance too was firm to dearer. FF – Very Tippy teas continued to attract good demand. Best and cleaner Below Best appreciated. Balance too gained in value. Well-made FF1’s appreciated. Cleaner Below Best gained substantially. Balance too was dearer. OThe overall premium market was firm to dearer.