Prices at the Kochi Tea auction continued to witness a declining trend despite low arrivals. In sale no 47, the quantity on offer in Dust CTC grades was 11,56,000 kg.

With demand being fair, the market opened Rs 3-5 lower. However, the decline in price was Rs 5-10 . The market also witnessed heavy withdrawals and export enquiry was confined to low-priced teas.

The quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 6,500 kg . The small quantity of orthodox dust on offer was absorbed by exporters.

In the best CTC dusts, PD varieties quoted Rs 95-112, RD grades fetched Rs 100-125, SRD ruled at Rs 107-141 and SFD stood at Rs 110-148.

The leaf sale also witnessed a downward trend and the quantity on offer in orthodox grades was 1,54,500 kg. The market for good liquoring Nilgiri brokens, whole leaf barely ruled steady. However, medium, clean, black, well-made tippy grades and bolder brokens were fully firm to dearer. The quantity on offer in CTC leaf grades was 69,500 kg and the market for good liquoring teas was fully firm and sometimes dearer.

sajeevkumar.v@thehindu.co.in