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A TOTAL of 175 million kilogrammes of tobacco have been sold since the opening of the marketing season, surpassing the seasonal projection of 165 million kg. This year’s selling season opened on March 30. Latest data availed by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicates that $514,4 million has been raised at the auction floors since the beginning of the selling season.
The seasonal average price is $2,94 a kg compared to $2,96 a kg during the same period last year. During the same period last year, TIMB revealed that $488,6 million had been raised at the auction floors from 165 million kg.
Bales laid through contract and auction systems number 2,4 million while during the same period in 2015, the farmers delivered 2,2 million bales. Bales rejected so far were 151,288 compared to 176,688 last season.
Since January, Zimbabwe has exported 41,1 million kg of flue-cured tobacco to different parts of the world earning $254 million. During the comparable period last year, the country had exported 42,4 million kg, raking in $246,5 million. The country exports the golden leaf to 46 countries with China leading the pack having so far imported 20,2 million kg valued at $164 million at an average price of $8,11 a kg.
South Africa is on second spot, importing 9 million kg worth $26,2 million. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Sudan, Madagascar, Seychelles, Namibia, Sweden, France, Netherlands, and Germany are some of the countries consuming flue-cured tobacco from Zimbabwe.
Online Reporter