Now Reading: West Asia peace lifts orthodox tea demand at Kochi auctions
-
01
West Asia peace lifts orthodox tea demand at Kochi auctions
Softer tensions in West Asia have revived the orthodox tea market at Kochi auctions, pushing sales to 98 per cent in Sale 33. Of the 2,38,637 kg offered, nearly all found buyers.…
The Story in Brief
Softer tensions in West Asia have revived the orthodox tea market at Kochi auctions, pushing sales to 98 per cent in Sale 33. Of the 2,38,637 kg offered, nearly all found buyers. Average prices rose ₹4 to ₹177 per kg. Middle East and CIS buyers are back, especially for premium grades, traders said.
Larger whole-leaf grades gained ₹3-5 per kg, while primary brokens appreciated by over ₹5. Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said medium whole leaf saw strong margins of ₹5-10 or more. The outlook is positive for both CTC and orthodox teas, though quality remains key. CTC dust prices also rose ₹2 to ₹155 per kg, with blenders absorbing 68 per cent of the sold quantity.
The Indian Opinion
For months, the tea trade blamed West Asia instability for depressed exports. Now that a ceasefire has held, buyers have returned. This should remind us that shoot-from-the-hip foreign policy commentary often ignores how lives and livelihoods hinge on stability. The test now is whether improved collections translate into fairer wages for plantation workers. The next auction's price spread will tell.
Source: thehindubusinessline.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
