There was good demand for the 118,447 packages (7,624,848 kilos) on offer with prices closely following quality but plainer teas were difficult of sale and 12.24% were neglected.

The few best BP1 available were upto USC6 dearer with brighter categories irregular ranging between firm to USC6 dearer to easier by upto USC2 with a few lines neglected while mediums were well absorbed at firm to USC42 and more dearer but some teas shed USC8 to USC28. Lower mediums saw less interest easing by upto USC20 but a few invoices held firm with plainer types barely firm to USC10 below last prices.

The best PF1s on offer gained upto USC12 while brighter categories were USC14 to USC20 dearer with mediums well absorbed at USC4 to USC22 above last levels. Lower medium PF1s met good enquiry and appreciated by upto USC32 but some lines eased by USC20 with plainer descriptions a weak feature losing USC2 to USC18 but improved invoices were USC12 dearer.

The few best PDUSTs available appreciated by upto USC15 while brighter sorts saw improved enquiry gaining USC4 to USC28 with mediums upto USC26 dearer. Lower mediums held firm to USC26 above last rates with plainer types irregular ranging between steady rates to easier by upto USC26 and many lines were neglected.

The best DUST1s on offer were firm while brighter category were USC6 to USC14 dearer with mediums USC4 to USC16 above last prices. Lower medium DUST1s were USC14 to USC28 dearer while plainer sorts were irregular varying between firm to USC8 dearer to easier by upto USC5 with some teas remaining unsold.

In the secondary catalogues the BPs were firm while PFs tended dearer. Clean well sorted coloury Fannings were irregular while similar DUSTs gained. Other Fannings were firm with similar DUSTs tending easier. BMFs were well absorbed.

Pakistan Packers continued strong and were dominant with more activity from Afghanistan, Yemen other Middle Eastern countries. Egyptian Packers, Bazaar and Sudan maintained interest but there was less enquiry from UK, Kazakhstan, other CIS countries and Russia. Iran was subdued. Somalia continued active at firm levels.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited