Colombo, Sri Lanka – 30 September 2026 – The Sri Lankan tea market concluded its Sale No. 38 for 29th and 30th September 2026 with an overall “Fair general” demand across all categories, according to the latest weekly market report released by Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers (Pvt) Ltd. The auction witnessed a marginal increase in offerings compared to the previous week, indicating a steady supply flow.
Overall Market Performance and Offerings
A total of 5.08 million kilograms (M/Kgs) of Ceylon Tea were on offer during Sale No. 38, a slight uptick from the 4.8 M/Kgs offered the week prior. Demand was reported as fair across most segments, with some notable variations:
- ExEstate: 0.71 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- High&Medium: 0.51 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- Leafy: 0.71 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- SemiLeafy: 0.76 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- Tippy/SmallLeaf: 0.94 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- PremiumFlowery: 0.05 M/Kgs – Fair demand.
- OffGrade: 0.99 M/Kgs – Firm to Easier demand.
- Dust: 0.41 M/Kgs – Good demand.
In total, 10,832 lots amounting to 5,082,215 Kgs were offered, with settlement dates scheduled for 2nd, 6th, and 7th October 2026.
Regional Price Trends and Quality Updates
The report highlighted varied performance across different tea growing regions and grades:
Ex-Estate Teas
Ex-Estate offerings, comprising 0.7 M/Kgs, saw a marginal increase with slightly improved quality. Better Westerns, particularly select invoices of BOP/BOPF, appreciated by up to Rs. 100 per kg and more, with others holding firm. In the Below Best category, select BOP invoices also saw appreciation. However, Nuwara Eliya BOP/BOPF remained sluggish, and Uda Pussellawas reported disappointing prices due to plainer quality. Uva teas showed gains, with select Best BOPs Rs. 20-40 per kg dearer, and corresponding BOPF gaining up to Rs. 100 per kg for better teas.
High & Mid Grown CTC and Low Growns
High & Mid Grown CTC teas generally sold around previous levels, with some improved invoices appreciating by Rs. 20-40 per kg. Low Grown CTC types continued to sell well. Low Growns, totaling approximately 2.4 M/Kg, experienced fair demand. Well-made BOP1s in Leafy and Semi-Leafy catalogues were firm, while the balance eased. OP1s were largely sold around last week’s levels, with Best varieties showing a decline. Tippy and Premium Flowery catalogues generally saw easier prices for tippy teas but firmness for leafier types.
Off Grades and Dust
Off Grades experienced a “Firm to Easier” market. Better Fannings saw some declines following quality, while Good Brokens were generally firm. DUST grades exhibited good demand, with select Best Dust1s appreciating by Rs. 50-100 per kg and other varieties showing gains, reflecting sustained interest in this segment.
Crop and Weather Overview
For the period 22nd – 28th September 2026, rain was reported in Western, Nuwara Eliya, and Low Grown regions. Uva and Udapussellawa regions experienced bright weather. The crop intake in Nuwara Eliya, Uva, and Uda Pussellawa regions was maintained, while Western and Low Grown regions reported a decrease in crop intake.
Global Tea Market Insights
Forbes & Walker’s report also included insights from international tea markets:
- Turkey: Exported over $17.5 million worth of tea in the first six months of the year, shipping 2,602 tons to over 100 countries. Belgium, the U.K., and Turkish Cyprus were top buyers. Rize province contributed 44% of total export revenue.
- Mombasa Auction (Kenya): Saw good general demand for 6.97 million kilos on offer, with Pakistan, Yemen, Middle Eastern, and Egyptian Packers being active.
- Bangladesh Auction: CTC Leaf met with less demand at easier rates, while Dusts saw good demand, primarily driven by blenders.
- Coonoor Auction (India): Reported good demand for CTC Leaf and Dust, with volatile prices for best category teas. Orthodox Leaf saw good demand for high-grown teas.
- Kolkata, Cochin, Siliguri, Malawi, and Guwahati Auctions: Displayed varied demand, with some markets reporting firm prices for specific grades and others experiencing more selective buying.
Upcoming Auctions
The next scheduled sales are Sale No. 39 for 6th/7th October 2026, with 5.14 million kgs awaiting sale, and Sale No. 40 for 13th/14th October 2026, with an estimated 5.24 million kgs to be offered.
Source: Forbes & Walker Tea Brokers Weekly Tea Market Report
