There was good demand for the 135,078 packages (8,676,309 kilos) falling under the hammer at irregular rates but 16.51% of the teas remained unsold.

The few best BP1s available gained upto USC16 with brighter categories irregular varying between USC2 to USC6 dearer to easier by USC6 to USC14 and some lines were unsold; mediums strengthened with the sale appreciating by USC26 to USC50 and more but opened USC2 to USC10 below last prices. Lower medium BP1s saw an irregular enquiry ranging between USC18 dearer to easier by upto USC12 while plainer descriptions were firm to USC8 below previous levels.

Few best PF1s were firm to USC2 dearer while brighter sorts held firm to USC10 dearer with mediums irregular and varied between USC4 to USC10 dearer to easier by USC4 to USC8 especially at the start. Lower mediums shed USC2 to USC13 but improved teas were up by USC18 dearer while plainer types were difficult of sale at firm to USC8 dearer with plainest generally neglected.

The few best PDUSTs on offer shed upto USC10 while brighter types saw an irregular interest ranging between firm rates to easier by USC4 to USC5 with mediums firm to USC8 dearer but opened USC2 to USC14 easier. Lower medium PDUSTs held firm to USC2 below last rates with plainer sorts irregular varying between firm to USC9 dearer to easier by upto USC8.

Few best DUST1s were USC2 dearer while brighter category were firm to USC24 easier with mediums irregular and ranged between steady rates to easier by USC3 to USC26 and some invoices remained unsold. Lower mediums were irregularly easier by upto USC8 with plainer teas varying between USC2 dearer to easier by upto USC6.

In the secondary catalogues the BPs were firm while PFs were steady. Clean well sorted coloury Fannings were discounted and similar DUSTs gained. Other Fannings and similar DUSTs lost value where sold. BMFs were well absorbed.

Pakistan Packers were dominant with more support from Afghanistan, Yemen, other Middle Eastern countries and Bazaar. There was more activity from Sudan but at lower levels while UK maintained interest but was selective. Egyptian Packers maintained support at lower rates while Kazakhstan, other CIS countries and Russia showed less activity with Iran quiet. Somalia showed more activity.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited