Overseas demand lifts orthodox tea prices at Kochi auctions

Orthodox tea prices have surged at Kochi auctions, driven primarily by robust overseas demand. Traders attribute the price increase to the settlement of pending payments from earlier sales, which has enabled international buyers to place fresh orders in the current auctions.

The clearing of previous payment backlogs has improved liquidity in the market, allowing overseas purchasers to participate more actively in ongoing tea sales. This influx of foreign buying interest has exerted upward pressure on prices across orthodox tea categories.

The Kochi tea auction, one of India's largest tea trading hubs, plays a crucial role in price discovery for Indian tea exports. Strong international demand typically reflects broader market confidence in Indian orthodox teas, which are sought after in global markets for their quality and flavor profile.