Tea prices drop at Kochi auctions on weak upcountry, subdued demand

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Traders said that most of the upcountry buyers stayed away from the market in Sale 42 on account of long Puja holidays, leading to a weak purchase and the trend is likely to continue for the next auctions as well

By V Sajeev Kumar

Updated - October 17, 2026 at 02:02 AM.

A weak upcountry demand coupled with subdued overseas buying has hit orthodox tea market in Kochi auctions, witnessing ₹5 drop in average prices.

Traders said that most of the upcountry buyers stayed away from the market in Sale 42 on account of long Puja holidays, leading to a weak purchase and the trend is likely to continue for the next auctions as well. Likewise, export demand was subdued due to escalating war situation in the gulf countries that has reported to have disrupted shipping schedules, container availability and led to rising freight cost.

All these factors have affected placing of new orders by overseas buyers for tea in the auctions, traders said.

Anil George Joseph of Tea Trade Association of Cochin said the orthodox market opened with good demand, supported by exporters, with best clean, black and well-made teas selling at steady to occasionally higher levels. However, prices weakened after the first two catalogues, with some teas remaining unsold as major exporters curtailed purchases.

The auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said the offered quantity in orthodox leaf was 2,66,517 kg, witnessing only 85 per cent sales. Exporters to CIS was active while Middle East buyers were selective.

However, a trader hinted that overseas buyers are abstaining because of higher prices for orthodox leave and they are waiting for the prices to drop.

CTC dust market was also down with high-priced and popular marks of Keralam was lower by ₹1 to ₹2. Good liquoring teas was steady to firm and sometimes dearer. The quantity offered was 7,04,118 kg and blenders together absorbed 73 per cent of the total CTC quantity offered.

Published on October 16, 2026

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