A subdued export demand continues to weigh on orthodox tea sales at the Kochi auctions amid the escalating conflict in West Asia.
Traders said exports are currently limited to Europe and Russia, while shipments to GCC and other West Asian markets have come to a standstill. They noted that rising freight charges, shipment delays and uncertainty at ports have prompted exporters to put tea purchases on hold.
The subdued demand is evident in the rising unsold quantities of orthodox tea in Sale 29 was 19 per cent out of the offered quantity of 2,69,479 kg. The average price was also down by ₹3 at ₹183 compared to ₹186 in the previous week.
The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said that the market for select grade whole leaf witnessed a strong feature and appreciated with longer margin of ₹10 to ₹15 and sometimes more.
CTC leaf was firm to dearer with sales percentage of 96 out of the offered quantity of 29,593 kg.
Anil George Joseph, president of Tea Trade Association of Cochin said that overall, the market continued to reflect stable demand for quality teas, with buying remaining selective amid cautious trade sentiment. Better quality teas continued to command firm prices, while secondary and plainer grades faced resistance, reflecting current domestic and export demand dynamics.
CTC dust market witnessed a good demand with good liquoring teas and popular marks of Kerala steady to firm and sometimes dearer. The offered quantity was 7,29,953 kg with 86 per cent sales.
Dust orthodox market was firm to dearer with 100 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 9298 kg. Exporters were the main stakeholders.
Published on July 17, 2026
