Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala
| Photo Credit:
JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

Orthodox leaf market in Kochi tea auctions witnessed strong buying, thanks to increased purchases by Iraqi buyers.

The average price realisation in sale 19 was up by ₹5 at ₹205 per kg compared to ₹200 in the previous week. The demand was strong with an offered quantity of 3,01,204 kg, witnessing 86 per cent sales, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

Traders said that rise in Sri Lankan tea prices has facilitated Iraqi buyers to look at South Indian auctions and they are procuring all cheaper varieties including whole leaf and fannings. There was increased procurement by upcountry buyers from South India due to higher prices of second flush in Assam. There was active participation of exporters to CIS countries and the Middle East, besides upcountry demand.

Meanwhile, they are also keeping their fingers crossed on the Indo-Pak border skirmishes which may lead to shipment delays, risk covers etc in cargo movements from the country if the situation escalates further.

The CTC leaf market remained barely steady, while others were irregular and lower. The quantity offered was 29,500 kg.

However, the CTC dust market was lower by ₹2 to ₹4 and sometimes more, witnessing a lot of withdrawals. The decline in price was less for good liquoring teas below ₹160. The quantity offered was 7,16,204 kg, witnessing a sales percentage of 77. The average price realisation was down by ₹4 at ₹151 compared to ₹155 in the previous week.

The orthodox dust market was firm to dearer witnessing 100 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 8,300 kg. Exporters and upcountry buyers were the main stakeholders.

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Published on May 9, 2025