Online Reporter
Agriculture Reporter
TOBACCO exports have raked in US$381 million as the country continues to invest in value addition.
Latest statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that 62.3 million kg of semi-processed tobacco have been exported to different destinations in the Far East, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The Far East has remained the major destination of Zimbabwean tobacco and is among countries offering high prices.
The region bought 34.8 million kg of tobacco valued at US$ 269.6 million at an average price of US$7.75 per kg.
The Oceania bought 28 560 kg worth US$ 241 332 at an average price of US$8.45 per kg while the European Union imported 5 064.656 worth US$27 million at an average price of US$5.33 per kg.
Countries in Africa imported 11.9 million kg of tobacco worth US$52.5 million at an average price of US$4.39 per kg and the Middle East bought 7.1 million kg valued at US$21.9 million at an average price of US$3.09 per kg.
Americas bought 2 556 640 kg worth US$ 7.6 million at an average price of US$ 2.98 per kg and Europe bought 735 200 kg worth US$18 million at an average price of US$2.40 per kg.
Zimbabwe is among the top five major producers of flue cured tobacco globally and the leaf is popular because of its flavour.
Tobacco provides the best economic return per hectare among all major crops.
The tobacco value chain employs more than 1.2 million people, with up to six million dependants.
The tobacco industry targets to increase value addition and beneficiation of tobacco into cut rag and cigarettes production from 2 percent of total tobacco produced to 30 percent to increase exports of cigarettes by 2025, and to date they have achieved 10.15 percent.
More effort is being put by the Government and private partners to increase value addition.
Ten cigarette manufacturers with a combined production capacity of around 4,4 billion cigarette sticks per annum are operating in the country.
