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The People’s Republic of China is the best export destination for Zimbabwean tobacco for the fourth year running. Tobacco exports to China increased by 10 percent to 60,3 million kg last year while its market share was 39 percent. China has been a top importer of Zimbabwean tobacco since 2009.
Belgium was the second biggest importer after it bought 27,5 million kg compared to 10.4 million kg in the prior year. South Africa was the third after buying 17,3 million kg up from 10.4 million kg recorded in previous year.
Significant exports also went to the Far East, which accounted for 47 percent of the market share with Indonesia and Hong Kong being the main buyers from that region.
Although most countries and regions increased their imports, there was a slump in exports to the United Kingdom by close to 82 percent. As a result the EU market share marginally dropped by 1 percent. The drop in exports to the UK was, however, offset by an increase in exports to Belgium.
Flue-cured tobacco exports increased by 18,2 percent last year to 153 million kg grossing over US$877 million.
According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board 74 percent of the exported crop was from last year.
Exports for the 2012 crop were 24 percent of total exports, while less than 2 percent of the crop was grown in 2011 and 2010. Burley and Dark air tobacco exports jointly contributed close to 400 000kg. At least 51 countries bought tobacco from Zimbabwe last year compared to 52 in 2012.
Meanwhile nine merchants were issued permits to import more than 14,3 million kg of flue-cured tobacco since beginning of the year.
As at December 31, 2013, approximately 13,9 million kg had been received.
Online Reporter