The Israel-Iran ceasefire seems to have had a positive impact on the Kochi Tea Auction, where orthodox leaf has received strong demand from overseas buyers.

Traders said Sale 26 saw improved export demand from buyers to West Asiaand CIS countries, with prices of orthodox varieties up by ₹7 at ₹180, compared with ₹173 in the previous week.

Iran is the mainstay of the market for the orthodox variety and the improvement in prices of particular grades to that country is evidence of a revival in demand. Iran procures 30-35 million kg from India annually, an exporter said.

The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said whole leaf and brokens in orthodox leaf opened on a steady to easier note, and prices appreciated following quality as the sale progressed. Medium whole leaf and brokens were also dearer.

Concern over rains

However, the continuing downpour in the high ranges is a concern as it has affected tea arrivals to the auction platform. The offered quantity in orthodox grades was only 2,24,287 kg, registering 92 per cent sales. Traders say that the heavy rains may impact arrivals in the coming auctions, which is likely to favour prices further.

The CTC leaf market was steady to firm and sometimes dearer following quality. The quantity offered was 51,500 kg, with a sales percentage of 67. There was improved demand from exporters.

In CTC dust, the demand for liquoring teas was good, with blenders absorbing 55 per cent of the offered quantity of 5,72,065 kg. The market was firm to dearer by ₹1 to ₹2, and sometimes more following quality. Medium and plainer teas were lower and noticed some withdrawals.

Orthodox dust demand was good, with a sales percentage of 93 out of the offered quantity of 9,000 kg. The market was firm to dearer and exporters were the main stakeholders.

Published on June 27, 2025