Increased arrivals helped prices remain largely stable, supported by strong domestic demand during Sale No. 29. | Photo Credit: David Talukdar/ANI

Like Kochi, the ongoing West Asia crisis has dampened the prospects for orthodox tea exports from the Coonoor auctions, resulting in a decline in prices.

Tea traders said export demand remained subdued due to uncertainties in the Gulf region, leading to a fall of Rs3 to Rs4 per kg in whole leaf grades, with some varieties witnessing even steeper declines. However, the impact was partly offset by the peak crop season during June and July, which saw higher arrivals in both dust and leaf categories and ensured a healthy sales percentage.

Increased arrivals helped prices remain largely stable, supported by strong domestic demand during Sale No. 29.

According to Global Tea Auctioneers, the quantity offered in the leaf category stood at 21,81,607 kg, of which 92 per cent was sold. In the dust category, 6,53,203 kg was offered, registering an 85 per cent sales percentage.

In CTC leaf, the high-priced teas were barely steady to dearer by Rs3 to 4 and more at times in line with quality. The better liquoring sorts were lower by Rs4 to 5 with some withdrawals. Generally, a fair demand was noticed in the overall CTC leaf sale.

The high priced teas in CTC dust were generally easier by Rs4 to 5 with few withdrawals. The better liquoring sorts were barely steady to occasionally dearer by Rs2 to 3.

The primary orthodox dust grades were generally lower by Rs5 to 6 and more at times with some withdrawals. The secondaries and finer dusts were easier by Rs1 to 2 with some withdrawals.

Published on July 21, 2026