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Oliver Kazunga Senior Business Reporter
BELGIUM has regained top spot as the major consumer of flue-cured tobacco from Zimbabwe importing 3,5 million kilogrammes taking over from South Africa which dominated the importers category having consumed 2,1 million kg two weeks ago.Latest figures released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that Belgium, which was on fifth position during the period under review, has so far spent $9,5 million at an average price of $2,72 a kg.
Before the latest development, Belgium spent $2,4 million on 1,6 million kg at an average price of $1.43 a kg.
South Africa, which at the moment is on second position has spent $10,6 million on 2,4 million kg at an average price of $4,34 a kg while during the period under review consumed 2,1 million kg worth $6,5 million at $3,01 a kg.
Among the top five consumers of Zimbabwean tobacco so far are the United Arab Emirates, China and Russia on third, fourth and fifth positions respectively.
A total of $7,5 million has been spent by UAE on 2,4 million kg at an average price of $3,08 per kg while China has imported two million kg of flue-cured tobacco from Zimbabwe at $14,4 million averaging $7,32 a kg.
Russia has so far imported 1,7 million kg of tobacco worth $4,3 million at an average price of $2,58 a kg.
TIMB indicated that as of May 2, 2014 there were 41 countries importing 19,5 million kg of the golden leaf from Zimbabwe valued $72 million at an average price of $3,69 a kg against 37 countries during the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the marketing board said contractors have presently bought 81 million kg which was more than 70 percent of the sales realised so far.
To date, about 104,737 growers have registered for the 2014 season compared to about 89,680 who had registered by the same period last year.
Online Reporter