Strong demand fuels optimism as tea auctions begin in Chattogram
According to the Bangladesh Tea Board, a production and marketing target of 10.4 crore kg of tea has been set for the current season
The first auction of Bangladesh's tea sector for the 2026-27 season began today (27 April), signalling a positive start to the new trading cycle.
The opening sale, which started around 8:30am at Agrabad in Chattogram, has drawn several hundred bidders and will continue until 6:30pm.
Industry stakeholders said that strong demand last season led to sales rates of around 65 to 80% at nearly every auction, with average prices exceeding Tk250.
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For the current season, they are optimistic about favourable prices as well.
According to the Bangladesh Tea Board, a production and marketing target of 10.4 crore kg of tea has been set for the current season. Plans include 47 auctions each in Chattogram and Srimangal, and 25 in Panchagarh.
Tea Board data shows that last season created supply shortages, although the target was 10.2 crore kg, production reached only 9.49 crore kg due to adverse weather conditions.
This led to a decline in unsold stock towards the end of the season, forcing several auctions to be cancelled. This season production has shown some positive momentum at the start.
Bidders and estate owners say that increasing production could further boost domestic demand and open up export opportunities.
Subsequent auctions will take place in Panchagarh tomorrow (28 April) and in Srimangal the day after (29 April).
