There was good but irregular demand for the 103,558 packages (6,793,729 kilos) on offer which strengthened as the sale progressed particularly mediums but 19.62% remained unsold more so brighter category.

Best BP1s were a weak feature and shed upto USC60 with brighter sorts holding firm to USC26 dearer while mediums saw an irregular enquiry ranging between USC16 to USC22 above previous levels to easier by upto USC36 with a few lines unsold. Lower medium BP1s were irregular varying between USC4 to USC8 dearer to easier by upto USC20 while plainer descriptions met irregular interest ranging between firm levels to easier by upto USC4 but a few improved teas gained upto USC20.

The best PF1s shed USC4 while brighter categories were a weak feature easing by USC4 to USC14 and some teas were unsold with mediums irregular varying between USC4 to USC16 dearer to easier by USC4 to USC6 especially at the start. Improved lower mediums gained upto USC20 but others were steady to USC12 easier with some lines neglected but plainer types were firm to USC18 dearer.

Best PDUSTs available rose by upto USC18 while brighter sorts appreciated by USC4 to USC24 with mediums USC8 to USC28 dearer. Lower mediums were generally firm to USC14 dearer with plainer category firm to USC28 above last prices.

The best DUST1s held value with brighter types firm to USC10 dearer but a few lines eased by a similar margin while mediums were irregular and varied between USC4 to USC8 dearer to easier by USC2 to USC6. Lower mediums were steady to USC8 dearer while plainer sorts were firm to USC30 dearer.

In the secondary catalogues BPs appreciated while PFs were firm. Clean well sorted coloury Fannings and similar DUSTs held value. Other Fannings were steady and similar DUSTs were firm. BMFs were well absorbed.

Pakistan Packers maintained support while Yemen, other Middle Eastern countries, Sudan, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries showed more interest. Afghanistan, UK, Egyptian Packers and Bazaar showed less enquiry and Russia was quieter. Iran was subdued. Somalia maintained activity at the lower end of the market.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited