The Hindu Business Line : Good demand for CTC varieties

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Kolkata Feb. 18 All the three auction centres at Kolkata, Guwahati and Siliguri reported good and sustained demand for all CTC leaf and dust teas. All sections of the domestic market were active. A small quantity of clean teas commanded a premium with selected lines of Assam teas, selling between Rs 90 and 100 and touching Rs 124 per kg.

A limited weight of orthodox teas on offer continued to meet with good demand with the clean well-made varieties selling at dearer rates. Whole leaf grades sold between Rs 100 and Rs 125 per kg and similar brokens between Rs 95 and Rs 100 per kg. The demand was forthcoming from the West Asia and CIS buyers.

Stock Position

At the advent of the new cropping season, the three auction centres reported depletion of stocks with virtually no carry over stocks into 2007-08 season.

There have been reports of good rains in February in most tea growing areas in north India and the initial crop prospects are encouraging.

Due to the low stock position and the heavy cropping expected only by July, the market for new season teas is expected to open on a strong note. The initial market will be triggered by strong domestic demand with most buyers requiring to replenish their stocks.