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According to statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), as at 8 June, China continued topping the export market followed by the United Kingdom.
China imported five million kilogrammes of flue cured tobacco worth $36,3 million at an average price of $7,23 per kilogramme while the UK had imported 3,5 million kilogrammes worth $17,3 million at an average price of $4,94 a kilogramme.
TIMB statistics further show that South Africa, Indonesia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) were some of the major markets importing three million kilogrammes of the golden leaf valued at $9,4 million.
Although, South Africa came third in import volumes, the Sadc country imported the golden leaf at an average price of $3,06 a kilgramme compared to Indonesia whose average price was $5,54 per kilogramme raking in $15,5 million from 2,8 million kilogramme.
UAE was among the top five countries having imported 2,7 million kilogrammes worth $3,9 million at an average price of $1,45 per kilogramme.
Other countries importing tobacco from Zimbabwe include Belgium, Netherlands, Vietnam, Denmark, Bulgaria, Germany and Ireland.
The country also exports its crop to Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, Lesotho, Botswana and Congo among other countries.
Zimbabwe’s crop is popular for its high quality and competitive flavour.
Meanwhile, the total number of registered farmers is now 70 505 compared to 65 439 the same time last year.
TIMB also said 25 327 growers had so far registered to grow the crop in the next farming season.
Tobacco prices have remained firm at the auction and contract market.
Growers at the auction floors are, however, concerned that prices have remained stagnant when the quality of the leaf was improving.
Online Reporter