Tea prices edged marginally higher at the Coonoor auctions last week, buoyed by stronger buying activity from internal and upcountry buyers, according to traders. The demand for orthodox teas was notably higher in Sale 26, attributed to the normalisation of issues in West Asia following the recent truce in the region, as reported by AGRI_TIO.
Sales Volumes and Category Performance
The improved buying was reflected in higher sales volumes across both leaf and dust categories. The leaf category recorded 95% sales out of the offered quantity of 15,42,971 kg, while the dust category achieved 92% sales out of 475,483 kg, AGRI_TIO reported.
Price Movements by Grade
Price changes varied significantly by grade and type. In CTC leaf, high-priced teas were dearer by ₹4 to ₹5, and occasionally more, in line with quality, though some lots sold lower by the same range. Better liquoring sorts were steady to lower by ₹2 to ₹3. The better medium sorts were lower by ₹1 to ₹2. Overall, fair demand was noted in the CTC leaf sale.
For leaf orthodox, the primary whole leaf grades had fair demand and sold dearer by ₹4 to ₹5. Brokens also saw fair demand and sold dearer by ₹4 to ₹5, while secondaries and fannings were dearer by ₹2 to ₹3.
In dust CTC, high-priced teas and better liquoring sorts were generally easier by ₹3 to ₹4, with occasional quality lots selling dearer by ₹2 to ₹3. The better medium sorts were barely steady to occasionally dearer by ₹1 to ₹2. Primary orthodox dust grades were lower by ₹5 to ₹6, and more at times, while secondaries and finer dusts were barely steady around the last levels.
Summary of Price Changes
| Category / Grade | Price Change (₹ per kg) |
|---|---|
| CTC leaf – high-priced | +4 to 5 (some lots -4 to 5) |
| CTC leaf – better liquoring | 0 to -3 |
| CTC leaf – better medium | -1 to -2 |
| Leaf orthodox – primary whole leaf | +4 to 5 |
| Leaf orthodox – brokens | +4 to 5 |
| Leaf orthodox – secondaries & fannings | +2 to 3 |
| Dust CTC – high-priced | -3 to 4 (some +2 to 3) |
| Dust CTC – better medium | 0 to +2 |
| Dust orthodox – primary | -5 to 6 |
| Dust orthodox – secondaries & finer | Barely steady |
Demand Drivers and Outlook
Traders attributed the higher demand for orthodox teas directly to the normalisation of trade flows in West Asia after the region’s recent truce, which had previously disrupted export channels. The improved buying environment was evident in the auction’s clearing rates, with leaf and dust both absorbing most of the offered quantities. While the general CTC leaf sale showed fair demand, orthodox grades clearly outperformed. The sustained interest from upcountry buyers and internal buyers suggests that domestic consumption remains robust. For traders and procurement teams, the price divergence between orthodox and CTC grades underscores the importance of grade-specific inventory strategies. The upcoming auction cycles will be closely watched for sustained demand, particularly for orthodox leaf and dust.
Published on June 29, 2026.
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