Tanzania arabica coffee prices edge higher on tight supply

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Average arabica coffee prices in Tanzania, Africa's No. 4 producer, rose at auction after supply declined, the regulator Tanzania Coffee Board (TCB) said on Friday. The east African nation, which ranks behind Ethiopia, Uganda and Ivory Coast in output, produces mainly arabica and some robusta coffee. The state-run TCB said benchmark grade AA arabica sold at auction last Thursday fetched $198.20-$237.50 per bag, up from $196-$230.80 at the previous week's sale. The average price was $204.87 per bag, slightly higher than $204.64 previously. Grade A fetched $196.60-$208.60 per bag, from $196-$215.80 a week ago. The average price was $202 per bag, up from $201.56 previously. "Overall average prices at the Moshi exchange were up by $0.77 per 50 kg for mild arabica compared to the last auction," the board said in its auction report. "Average prices were above the terminal market by $11.72 per 50 kg for mild arabica." No robusta coffee beans were sold at last week's auction, the regulator said. The TCB said 17,045 bags were offered at the latest sale, and 15,946 bags were purchased. At the previous auction, 25,296 60-kg bags were offered for sale and 18,503 were sold. East African coffee is normally packed in 60-kg bags, but the prices are quoted for quantities of 50 kg. The coffee regulator expects a bumper 2014/15 harvest, with production seen exceeding 55,000 tonnes from about 48,700 tonnes in the previous season. The next auction will be held on Nov. 27. PRICE (dollars) GRADE OFFERED SOLD LOW HIGH AVERAGE Arabica AA 6,229 6,205 198.20 237.50 204.87 Arabica A 3,273 3,171 196.60 208.60 202.00 Arabica AB 2,760 2,178 201.00 225.00 212.25 Arabica B 1,972 1,865 196.00 206.20 198.21 Arabica PB 1,612 1,527 195.40 211.00 200.10 Arabica C 1,199 1,000 174.80 200.00 187.47