Better export demand, especially from CIS countries, has lifted orthodox tea prices in Kochi auctions.The average price realisation in Sale 36 was up by ₹4 per kg at ₹184 compared with ₹180 in the previous week. The market for whole leaf was firm to dearer following quality and the offered quantity was 1,89,521 kg, witnessing 86 per cent sales.The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said that exporters to CIS countries were active, while West Asia lent useful support.However, some traders cited quality issues in tea in the auction due to rains in the high ranges, affecting offerings on the auction platform.Anil George Joseph, president of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, said that lower rainfall this year could affect crop volumes and, consequently, domestic prices, although August and September crop prospects in Kerala and South India remain encouraging.Going forward, quality will remain the key determinant. Orthodox is likely to remain the better bet, particularly clean, blacker teas, while CTC markets may remain more selective amid erratic buying by bazaar and packeting operators, he said.The auctions witnessed a correction in CTC prices this week, in line with the usual post-Onam trend. Despite the correction, Kochi remained relatively resilient through August, supported by domestic blenders and renewed export demand, he added.The CTC dust market was lower with selective participation of blenders, resulting in an increase in unsold quantities. The offered quantity in CTC dust was 5,05,195 kg, witnessing only 70 per cent sales. The demand from blenders was subdued and exporters operated at the bottom of the market.Published on September 4, 2026