The ongoing crisis in several West Asian countries has begun to impact the tea auction market in Kochi, leading to reduced overseas demand for orthodox leaf varieties.
Auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said that unrest in many West Asian nations and shipping restrictions resulted in lower participation from shippers in sale 10.
However, exporters showed improved activity toward CIS countries and neighbouring markets. There were also enquiries from buyers in the US for Fannings grades — commonly used in tea bags — supported by recent tariff reductions.
The orthodox tea segment remained strong, with around 90 per cent of the 1,40,761 kg offered being sold. Prices for whole leaf and broken teas were firm to slightly higher, while other varieties saw irregular demand and some price declines.
Rising freight costs
According to Anil George, Chairman of the Tea Trade Association of Cochin, orthodox teas have continued to perform steadily with positive price trends. However, rising freight costs and shipping risks are putting pressure on global tea trade, particularly affecting re-export routes to the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, tea estates across the Western Ghats received welcome rainfall over the weekend, which is expected to aid production recovery after a decline during January–February compared with previous years.
The CTC leaf market also remained steady, recording 97 per cent sales from the 20,500 kg on offer. In contrast, the CTC dust market weakened, with good liquoring teas falling by ₹5-7 perkg and some withdrawals due to lack of bids, particularly for high-priced popular Kerala brands. Lower medium teas declined by ₹3-4. Out of the total 4,91,312 kg offered in the CTC category, blenders absorbed about 79 per cent of the quantity sold.
Published on March 6, 2026
