Women workers segregating the tea leaves collected from a plantation in Kerala.
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H.VIBHU
The continuing uncertainty over the conflict in West Asia is prompting tea exporters to adopt a cautious procurement strategy, resulting in subdued buying at the Kochi tea auctions.According to Anil George Joseph, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, export-oriented orthodox teas continue to face headwinds due to weaker demand from key West Asian markets, higher freight and insurance costs, and payment uncertainties arising from the geopolitical situation.These factors have led exporters to adopt a cautious procurement strategy, even as steady domestic demand continues to support prices of quality CTC teas, he said.A tea exporter participating in the auctions said making fresh export commitments has become increasingly difficult amid the uncertainty, with freight charges having doubled and severe congestion at ports further disrupting shipments.Cecil Jose, of Festival Global Beverages, said overseas buyers are cancelling orders because of uncertainty over shipping schedules, soaring freight rates and the piling up of containers at various ports. The latest developments in West Asia have caused significant delays and congestion at ports. Shipping lines are increasing freight charges almost every day, making exports highly challenging, he said, urging the Centre to intervene to facilitate timely movement of cargo and ensure smoother delivery of export consignments.The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said that the average price realisation in orthodox teas was down by ₹4 in Sale 28 at ₹186 against ₹190 in the previous week. The quantity offered was 3,03,596 kg with a sales percentage of 85. The market for whole leaf was barely steady to irregularly dearer following quality, while brokens was lower and noticed some withdrawal.However, quality CTC teas continue to command premiums, supported by steady domestic consumption and institutional demand. The market for high-priced and popular marks of Kerala was firm to dearer by ₹2 to ₹3. The offered quantity in CTC dust was 7,11,095, witnessing 87 per cent sales. All blenders together absorbed 69 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold.Orthodox dust also received a good demand with a sale of 93 per cent out of the offered quantity of 7828 kg. Upcountry buyers and exporters absorbed a small quantity.Published on July 10, 2026
