Black tea, CTC and orthodox, bulk

Bulk black tea is bought at origin auctions and shipped to the blenders and packers who make the tea sold in shops. Kenya is the largest exporter of CTC tea through the weekly Mombasa auction, while Sri Lanka and India supply most orthodox leaf grades such as OP and OP1. Pakistan, Egypt, the Gulf, Iran and the CIS are the core markets. Price depends on grade, leaf and liquor quality, weather in the growing areas, the volume offered each week and demand from the large importing countries. Mombasa averaged about USD 2.15 per kg in 2025 and around USD 2.20 so far in 2026, with good Kenyan BP1 and PF1 trading well above that. We buy against the buyer's tasting standard, consolidate lots and offer them CFR Jebel Ali or direct to the destination port.