As Iranian buyers abstain from Kochi auctions, orthodox tea prices fall

The Israel-Iran conflict has started affecting the Kochi Tea auction market with Iranian buyers staying away from procurement, hitting the prices of orthodox varieties.

Traders said that the anticipation of a possible payment crisis in the wake of the current conflict might be prompting buyers to pause their purchases at the auctions.

This is evident from the price drop of quality teas in sale 25, which was around ₹6-7 per kg. Iran is the second most important market for orthodox teas after Iraq. Iran buyers used to procure 30-35 million kg of orthodox tea on yearly basis, mostly from North India.

Orthodox tea prices are likely to decline further, given the escalation of the war situation, traders said, adding that exporters to CIS and Middle East countries lent fair support.

Dusts better

The offered quantity in orthodox was 2,45,200 kg with a sales percentage of 85 with average price ruling at ₹173 per kg, the auctioneers Forbes, Ewart & Figgis said.

The demand for CTC leaf was fair with brokens and fannings ruling lower and noticed from withdrawals. The quantity offered was 49,000 kg, witnessing 72 per cent sales. Some export enquiry notices at the bottom of the market.

CTC dust market was better with good liquoroing teas was firm to dearer by ₹1 to ₹2. The offered quantity was 6,46,154 kg with a sales percentage of 83. All blenders together absorbed 60 per cent of the total CTC quantity sold. Medium and plainer teas were irregular and lower following quality and noticed a lot of withdrawals.

Orthodox dust demand was fair with 73 per cent sales out of the offered quantity of 800 kg. Exporters and upcountry buyers absorbed a small quantity of the orthodox dust sold.

Published on June 20, 2025