Strong general demand prevailed for the 146,819 packages (9,649,589kilos) on offer with only 8.69% teas remaining unsold.

The best BP1s available met reduced enquiry easing by upto USC20 while brighter descriptions held firm to USC12 dearer with mediums USC2 to USC20 above last levels. Lower mediums were firm to USC20 dearer with plainer sorts USC4 to USC10 above last prices.

Best PF1s in the market were marginally dearer with brighter types firm to USC10 dearer while mediums were steady to USC14 above last rates. Lower mediums held firm to USC3 dearer with plainer categories steady to USC12 dearer.

Best PDUSTs saw more competition and appreciated by upto USC30 while brighter types held firm to USC10 dearer with mediums irregular varying between USC8 to USC12 dearer to easier by USC4 to USC10. Lower mediums were firm to USC28 dearer with plainer descriptions varying between USC2 dearer to easier by upto USC4.

The best DUST1s shed upto USC12 while brighter categories held firm to USC15 dearer with mediums irregular and ranged between USC4 to USC24 above last prices to easier by upto USC18 and more as the sale progressed. Lower medium DUST1s were irregular and varied between USC6 to USC12 dearer to easier by upto USC6 with plainer sorts barely steady to USC16 easier.

In the secondary catalogues BPs were steady while PFs gained. Clean well sorted coloury Fannings and similar DUSTs appreciated. Other Fannings were dearer and similar DUSTs were firm. BMFs were well competed for and gained.

Pakistan Packers showed strong support and continued dominant with more and strong enquiries from Afghanistan and Egyptian Packers. Yemen, other Middle Eastern countries, UK, Russia, Kazakhstan, other CIS states and Sudan lent more interest. Bazaar was active but Iran was quiet. Somalia was more active at the lower end of the market.

Source - Africa Tea Brokers Limited