Weekly tea sale begins well, but hartal results in lower prices

The weekly tea sale in Chittagong has started off well at firm to steady rates but with the announcement of the 2-day nationwide hartals for Wednesday and Thursday dampened the market resulting in lower prices and more withdrawals. However, a few bright teas continued to attract good support, according to a market report. Blenders were the mainstay of the market with less interest from the Loose Tea buyers. As a result, withdrawals were more this week. Good liquoring Dusts again sold well and were a firm market. CTC LEAF: 34,249 packages and 162 packages of old season teas on offer met with a fairly good demand which slackened at the latter half of the sale. BROKENS: Brokens were a good market and were about steady to often easier and the better Invoices sold between Tk 195/- and Tk 200/-. Other varieties were easier in line with quality with some withdrawals. FANNINGS: Fannings were initially slightly easier but with the progress of sale these eased in price often by Tk 3/- to Tk 5/- and there were fair withdrawals particularly in the plainer varieties. CTC DUST: 6,416 packages and 20 packages of Old Season Teas on offer met with a fairly good demand. Good liquoring varieties were a firm market whilst mediums and plainer types sold around last levels easing by Tk 2/- to Tk 3/- in line with quality. Blenders lent good support but Loose Tea buyers were less active, according to a news agency.