adminStatistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that China topped the export market followed by the United Kingdom.
China imported 8,4 million kilogrammes of flue-cured tobacco worth $66 million at an average price of $7,85 per kilogramme while the UK imported 7 million kg valued at $38,6 million at an average price of $5,45 a kg.
Data from TIMB further show that Indonesia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates were some of the leading consumers, importing 12,5 million kg worth $44,5 million.
Last year, China was the major consumer of Zimbabwean tobacco importing about 58 million kg compared to 18 million kg in 2010.
However, the seasonal export performance for this year is low compared to 2011, which saw Zimbabwe earning $393,1 million from 144 million kg.
Agronomist and tobacco expert Mr Thomas Nherera said the value of tobacco exported this year was higher than last year’s as the country had a better quality crop compared to the previous season.
“This year we had some very good tobacco compared to last year although some of our crop was of a harsher quality due to erratic rainfall during the season. The average price of tobacco was favourable compared to that of last year. The average price for this year was in direct response to world demand for the crop,” he said, adding that world demand for the crop was increasing compared to production levels.
World production of the golden leaf has recently been affected by bad climatic conditions such as floods in tobacco-producing Brazil.
Zimbabwe also exports flue-cured tobacco to countries that include Belgium, Russia, Germany, Japan, Seychelles, Tanzania and Angola.
Last year, the country exported 144 million kg of flue-cured tobacco valued at $393,1 million compared to 86,8 million kg valued at $250 million in 2010 owing to improved stock and increased capacity utilisation by tobacco processors.
Online Reporter