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The seasonal exports of flue-cured tobacco were led by South Africa where 2,64 million kg of the golden leaf valued at $8,5 million was sold at an average price of $3,22 a kg.
TIMB also revealed Indonesia came second in terms of importing Zimbabwe’s golden leaf at an average price of $5,45 per kg mopping up 2,33 million kg with a value of $12,7 million.
The two countries were followed by China, Mauritius and Belgium whose seasonal consumption of Zimbabwe’s flue-cured tobacco stood at 2,32 million kg, 2 million kg and 1,64 million kg respectively.
Other countries that were consuming tobacco from Zimbabwe include Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Lesotho, Sudan, Malaysia, Japan, France, Netherlands, Russia and the United States.
Meanwhile, TIMB has said flue-cured auction floors have continued to receive less tobacco than the contract system.
“This is evidenced by total seasonal auction floor sales which are currently pegged at 40,7 million kg. Contract sales have continued to attract better prices than auction floors. Highest prices at contract sales have reached the $5,90/kg mark whereas the highest price offered at the auction was $5,05/kg.
“The cumulative mass sold has risen to 97,5 million kg. In comparison to a similar period in 2011, a total of 90,3 million kg was recorded at a seasonal price of $2,67/kg,” said TIMB.
In the 2012 marketing season, a total of 69 285 growers registered to sell their crop and almost 80 percent of the farmers have sold their tobacco.
In comparison to last year’s figures, there is a 7 percent increase in registration during this period.
The 2013 flue-cured tobacco growers registration has begun and so far 7 276 farmers have registered.
Online Reporter