Improved general demand for the 122,536 packages (7,966,285 kilos) on offer with better absorption and only 15.15% teas remained unsold.

The best BP1s available met strong competition and gained upto USC60 with brighter category appreciating by USC2 to USC38 while mediums were irregular varying between USC8 to USC26 dearer to easier by upto USC10. Lower medium BP1s saw irregular enquiry ranging between USC4 to USC16 dearer to easier by a similar margin while plainer types appreciated by upto USC10 but poorest were discounted by upto USC20.

Best PF1s were well competed for gaining upto USC36 while brighter sorts were a strong feature opening upto USC30 dearer but thereafter were upto USC42 above last prices. Mediums varied between USC4 to USC32 dearer to easier by a similar rate and some teas were neglected with lower mediums firm to USC26 above previous levels while plainer descriptions held firm to USC14 dearer but poorest eased by the same level.

Best PDUSTs in the market were upto USC4 dearer with brighter categories appreciating by upto USC30 while mediums were irregular and varied between firm to USC6 easier to dearer by upto USC16. Lower mediums were irregular ranging between firm to USC10 dearer to easier by similar levels with plainer types firm to USC12 dearer to easier by similar rates.

The best DUST1s on offer appreciated by upto USC14 with brighter sorts USC8 to USC18 above last rates while mediums were firm to USC28 dearer. Lower mediums were firm to USC6 above last prices with plainer types ranging between firm to USC30 dearer to easier by upto USC16.

In the secondary catalogues BPs were firm to dearer while PFs appreciated. Clean well sorted coloury Fannings and similar DUSTs gained. Other Fannings and DUSTs were dearer. BMFs were well absorbed at dearer rates.

Afghanistan, Bazaar, Yemen and other Middle Eastern countries lent strong support while Pakistan Packers, Kazakhstan, other CIS states, Russia and Sudan were active. Although active, Egyptian Packers were selective with UK showing some selective interest. Iran was operating. Somalia were more active at the lower end of the market.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited