Good demand for the 108,958 packages (7,117,645 kilos) on offer at most irregular levels closely following quality. 17.69% were generally neglected especially plainer teas which were difficult of sale.

The few best BP1s available shed upto USC8 with brighter types varying between firm to USC10 dearer to easier by similar levels while mediums met strong competition gaining upto USC60. Lower medium BP1s saw an irregular interest ranging between USC10 dearer to USC5 easier with plainer descriptions about firm to USC2 below last prices.

The best PF1s on offer eased by upto USC20 while brighter category met better enquiry ranging between USC2 to USC22 dearer with mediums opening at USC6 easier but thereafter gained upto USC24 and more for a few improved invoices. Lower medium PF1s were irregular varying between USC4 to USC20 easier to dearer by upto USC30 while plainer types ranged between USC10 to USC16 dearer to easier by upto USC10.

The best PDUSTs on offer lost upto USC20 with brighter sorts easing by USC3 to USC18 while mediums were irregular and varied between firm to USC10 dearer to easier by USC6. Lower mediums were irregular varying between USC14 easier to dearer by upto USC12 with plainer types firm to USC6 below last rates.

The best DUST1s in the market were upto USC4 dearer with brighter categories USC7 to USC24 easier while mediums were irregular and varied between firm levels to easier by USC2 to USC20 and some lines were unsold. Lower mediums ranged between firm to USC12 dearer to easier by upto USC8 while plainer teas saw better absorption and gained upto USC20.

In the secondary catalogues BPs were steady with PFs easier while well sorted clean coloury Fannings and DUSTs held value. Other Fannings were firm while similar DUSTs were discounted. BMFs were well absorbed.

Pakistan Packers showed strong support while Afghanistan lent strong interest with more but selective activity from Egyptian Packers. There was more enquiries from Sudan with maintained interest from Yemen, other Middle Eastern countries and UK. Kazakhstan and other CIS countries maintained activity but was selective. Bazaar was less active while Russia and Iran were quiet. Somalia showed interest at the lower end of the market.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited