Orthodox tea prices at Kochi auctions declined by around ₹9 per kg amid subdued demand from overseas buyers.

Traders said buying activity weakened in Sale 19 due to delays in finalising shipping rates for alternative cargo routes following the diversion of vessels away from the Strait of Hormuz. The uncertainty over freight costs prompted several exporters to slow their purchases temporarily, though the trade expects shipments to stabilise shortly.

Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said exporters catering to CIS and Middle East markets were less active compared to the previous week. However, fannings varieties witnessed steady demand from exporters supplying the US market and tea bag manufacturers.

CTC leaf too dips

The offered quantity in orthodox was 1,98,488 kg with Nilgiri whole leaf and brokens were firm to dearer while the rest of the grades was irregular and lower. The sale percentage was 94 and the average price realisation was ₹184.36 compared to ₹193.28 in the previous week. The increased sale in secondary grades also led to the drop in average price realisation.

CTC leaf market was also down with good and medium brokens remained barely steady to firm. Export demand was subdued, while Kerala and upcountry buyers lent fair support.

Anil George, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin said that exporters expect a positive momentum would prevail soon amid indications of a global shortage in orthodox teas. They are expecting safer shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz and an easing of geopolitical tensions.

However, CTC demand is yet to recover fully due to the continuing LPG supply crisis, which has adversely impacted tea shop consumption across local markets, he added.

CTC dust market was down by ₹1 to ₹2 with a sales percentage of 86 out of the offered quantity of 5,83,572 kg. All blenders together absorbed 69 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold.

Published on May 8, 2026