Tea Market Report – Week 7 (13 February 2025)

Kenya – Good General Demand at Lower LevelsMombasa offered 198,000 packages with 27% (53k pkgs) unsold, and average prices eased by 3 USc to USD 2.11/kg. Flavoury KTDA East of Rift (EoR) BP1s met steady demand at easier rates, while below-best types and KTDA West of Rift (WoR) BP1s were easier by up to 10 cents. Medium and plainer BP1s saw mixed demand. PF1s followed a similar trend with medium and plainer types trading irregularly easier. Dust grades showed irregular demand, with only medium and plainer PD/D1s finding steady support from Egyptian, UK, and Pakistani packers.Weather was mostly dry with some rainfall reported in WoR. Crop harvest remained stable. Demand is expected to slow ahead of Ramadan.

Malawi – Good Demand Across Most GradesThe Limbe auction saw solid demand, particularly for PF1s and PDs which traded steady to slightly dearer. However, some offgrade dusts and fannings were neglected.Rainfall was good in both Mulanje and Thyolo, boosting crop intakes. Prospects for February production remain strong. Market outlook: steady to dearer.

Uganda – Maintained DemandBrighter liquoring teas held irregularly firm pricing, though the balance was slightly easier.Tanzania – Improved Demand with increased volumes.Rwanda – Less Interest in brokens; selective demand for the rest.Burundi – Limited Availability met with firm but selective demand.

Sri Lanka – Slightly Bearish MarketThe Colombo auction recorded 5.9 million kg in offerings. High Grown Rotovane Teas saw mixed interest, and leafy teas experienced lower demand.

• Ex-Estate: BOPs gained 3-6 USC; BOPFs declined 8-15 USC.

• Uva/Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPFs gained 15-30 USC.

• Low Grown: OP1s gained 15-20 USC; PEK1s and PEKs declined by 10 USC.

• Premium Small Leaf Teas remained mostly firm; FFs were dearer.

• Dusts: Firm across most categories, with high grown dusts up by 6-12 USC.

India – Good Demand with Production ConcernsOrthodox prices surged, especially in South India due to low availability from the North. CTC demand remained firm but slightly easier. Forecasts indicate a significant production shortfall in the coming months, triggering some nervousness and speculative buying.

Indonesia – Less Demand but Stable PricesJakarta auction offered 7,400 packages with 27% unsold. Demand was lower for West Sumatra teas, while Java/Sumatra CTC and Orthodox traded steady to firm. Local packers are expected to become more active ahead of Ramadan. Weather remains favourable and offerings healthy for the next two weeks.