Total offerings (packages) at the three North Indian auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri were marginally lower at 4,05,674 at this week’s sale no. 35 compared with 4,05,835 in the corresponding sale last year, according to auctioneer J. Thomas & Company Pvt. Ltd.
The composition of offerings at Kolkata was as follows: CTC/dust 1,48,327 (1,46,176), orthodox 27,215 (27,414) and Darjeeling 7,994 (6,097).
The offerings at two other centres, mainly CTC/dust, were as follows: Guwahati 1,14,055 (1,34,408) and Siliguri 1,08.083 (91,740).
Assam CTCs were barely steady around previous levels and irregularly lower. Dooars sold around previous levels and were irregularly lower. Tata Global was active and there was selective support from Hindustan Unilever. Western dealers supported the liquoring sorts. North India and local sections were selective. Exporters operated on the larger brokens and fannings.
Tippy and liquoring orthodox varieties sold readily in line with quality. Clean well-made whole leaf sold irregularly around last, while bolder whole leaf appreciated. Smaller brokens and fannings were irregular and at times dearer. Larger brokens were irregularly easier. There was good support from continental buyers on tippy and liquoring varieties. West Asian and CIS shippers were active. Hindustan Unilever operated selectively with some support from local and internal sections.
Darjeeling whole leaf continued to sell well with support from Tata Global, Hindustan Unilever and traditional exporters. Brokens maintained levels while fannings rose owing to improved export enquiry.