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Acting Business Editor
CHINA has for the fourth year-running remained the major importer of Zimbabwe tobacco consuming 60,3 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf in 2013, statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board show. Last year, flue-cured tobacco exports increased by 18,2 percent from the 2012 levels to 153 million kilogrammes generating $877,5 million.
“Exports for 2013 went to 51 countries compared to the previous year with 52 destinations across the globe. The People’s Republic of China once again was the top most export destination for the fourth year running since 2009,” said TIMB in 2013 tobacco annual statistical report.
China remained the leading destination of Zimbabwe tobacco with a total market share of 39 percent.
“The majority of the exports were from 2013 crop tobacco which accounted for more than 74 percent of the total annual exports. Exports for 2012 crop contributed 24 percent of total exports while less than two percent were from 2011 and 2010. Burley and Dark air tobacco exports jointly contributed close to 400 tonnes,” said the marketing board.
Belgium, which was second placed in terms of consuming tobacco from Zimbabwe in 2013, increased its consumption to 27,5 million kg compared to 2012 consumption levels amounting to 10,4 million kg. Neighbouring South Africa, which was the third largest importer of flue-cured tobacco from the country, also recorded a remarkable increase in annual tobacco consumption amounting to 17,3 million kg up from 10,4 million kg recorded in the previous year.
TIMB said some significant exports to the Far East went to Indonesia and Hong Kong, contributing towards the 47 percent market share. The slump in exports to the United Kingdom by close to 82 percent has been offset by increase in exports to Belgium.
Over the years, tobacco production in Zimbabwe has been on the increase following the favourable prices that the crop has fetched on the market.
Latest figures from TIMB show that more than 85,000 farmers have registered to grow tobacco in the 2013/14 farming season.
In 2013, stakeholders in the tobacco sector targeted to produce at least 170 million kg and at the close of the marketing season, a total of 166,5 million kg were sold at an average price of $3,70 per kg, realising $616,1 million.
This year, Zimbabwe projects to produce 200 million kg on the back of increased planted area of about 90,000 hectares from the 88,600 ha planted in 2013.
Online Reporter