January 17 (Citizen.lk News) - There was fair demand mostly at easier rates. Less activity was seen from the Iran and Middle Eastern markets, following the recent restrictions in trading conditions.
The Ex-Estate offerings were fairly similar and totalled 0.74 M/Kgs. The overall quality of the teas on offer showed no significant change.
The teas from the Western Slopes – Best Western BOP/BOPFs – a select range of invoices, were firm and Rs.20-40 per kilogramme dearer, whilst the others were irregular and often easier by a similar margin. In the Below Best category, the BOPs – where quality was maintained – were reasonably firm, whilst the others were irregular.
The corresponding BOPFs – clean leaf types, sold around last levels, whilst the others declined by Rs.20-40 per kilogramme. At the lower end, the BOPs declined by up to Rs.50 per kilogramme, whilst the corresponding BOPFs were firm and Rs.20 per kilogramme easier.
Consequently, the price parity between the BOP/BOPFs at the lower end of the market has widened significantly to Rs.150-200 per kilogramme, in favour of the latter. The Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs continued to be a weak feature, with most invoices remaining unsold, due to a lack of suitable bids.
The Uva/Uda Pussellawa – BOPs, where the quality was maintained, were firm and declined by Rs.20-30 per kilogramme and more for select invoices, following quality. The corresponding BOPFs – Uda Pussellawas, were up to Rs.20 per kilogramme easier, whilst the Uvas gained by a similar margin for select invoices.
The High and Medium Grown CTC teas sold around last week’s levels, whilst the Low Grown types were up to Rs.20 per kilogramme easier.
