The quantity of tea arriving at the Colombo Auction this week decreased from 6,953,824.00 Kgs to 6,642,495.00 Kgs which traded in the previous week’s auction, whilst the Ex-estate quantity decreased from 1,076,601.00 Kgs to 963,415.00 Kgs.

MARKET SEGMENTS: In the Ex-Estate Category: Best western BOP/BOPF’s were dearer by Rs.10-20 per Kg.  Others were irregular.  Below best and plainer types were lower by Rs.20 per Kg. Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF’s were irregular. Uva/Udapussellawa BOP’s were lower by Rs.20-30 per Kg, BOPF’s were firm and Rs.10-20 per Kg lower. CTC – BP1’s were irregular. PF1’s were declined by Rs.20-30 per Kg.

Low Grown Leafy Market Segment:  Select Best OP1’s declined substantially, whilst clean Below Best varieties were fully firm. Others and poorer sorts were fully firm to selectively dearer. Select Best BOP1’s declined, while a selection of improved Below Best varieties were firm. Others where quality did not maintain, prices were irregular and mostly lower. Teas at the bottom end maintained. Select Best OP’s together with a range of improved Below Best varieties were fully firm, whilst others where quality did not maintain, prices were irregular and at times easier. Teas at the bottom end maintained.   Select Best OPA’s maintained, whilst a range of improved Below Best varieties gained. Others and poorer sorts too were fully firm. A range of select Best PEK’s were fully firm on last, whilst a few improved select Best PEK1’s gained. Below Best PEK/PEK1’s in general maintained, while others and mixed varieties in particular prices were barely steady.

In the Tippy Market Segment:  Select Best FBOP’s eased, whilst Best, cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom sold around last levels. Balance were irregular following quality. FF – Very Tippy teas continued to attract good demand. Best together with Below Best were firm to easier. Balance too were lower following quality. Well-made FF1’s were firm to marginally easier, whilst cleaner Below Best and cleaner teas at the bottom sold around last levels. Balance were irregular following quality. Overall premium market was firm to irregularly lower.