Ceylon Tea production continues declining trend

The trend of declining tea production continued this week with only 5.02 million kg on offer at the Colombo Tea Auction with 2.24 million kg of Low Grown Main Grades and 1.77 million kg of High and Mid Grown Main Grades.
In the Leafy and Semi Leafy catalogues, select best BOP1/OP1s were easier, whilst best and improved below best varieties held firm; others and poorer sorts were generally firm. Select best OP/OPAs declined, whilst a range of well-made below best varieties commenced firm, others declined towards the close of the sale. Teas at the lower end maintained. Select best Pekoe/Pekoe1s declined, whilst others and poorer sorts were generally firm
In the Small leaf catalogues select best FBOP/FBOP1s were barely steady, whilst below best varieties declined; poorer sorts maintained. In the Premium Flowery catalogues select best varieties maintained. More general demand in the Ex-Estate catalogues. Select best Western BOPs were firm to Rs.50 dearer. All others were irregular and tended lower with quality.

Select few BOPFs were dearer Rs.50 and at times more; others were firm where quality was maintained. Bottom held last levels. Nuwara Eliya BOPs were difficult at the sale. Better BOPFs lost Rs20 to Rs.40; others tended lower.  Seasonal Uva BOPs were irregularly lower with buyers following quality closely. Select lines moved up on special inquiry; others were sharply lower. Select BOPFs sold well on special inquiry; others were firm. Medium BOPs held last levels. Better BOPFs gained Rs.20 to Rs.40; others were about firm.
High priced CTC PF1s opened firm, but gained Rs.50 to Rs.100 at the close of the sale. Liquoring PF1s were firm on last with a few gaining Rs.50 per kg. BP1s were irregularly dearer. (SD)