Elita Chikwati
ZIMBABWE has so far earned US$95,1 million from the export of 23,2 million kilogrammes of flue-cured tobacco since February this year. As at June 1, China was the leading consumer of local tobacco followed

by South Africa.

According to the latest Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board weekly report, China has so far imported 3,9 million kg of the flue-cured tobacco worth US$26,5 million at an average price of US$6,79 per kg.
South Africa has so far bought 2,6 million kg of flue-cured tobacco worth US$8,5 million at an average price of US$3,22 per kg.
Other importers of local tobacco include Indonesia, United Kingdom and Mauritius.

Indonesia bought 2,6 million kg of the golden leaf valued at US$14 million while UK imported 2,3 million kg worth US$11,8 million and Mauritius got 2 million kg valued at US$3,6 million.

Other countries consuming tobacco from Zimbabwe include Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam, Denmark, Bulgaria, Germany and Ireland.
In Africa, Zimbabwe exports its crop to Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, Lesotho, Botswana and DRC among other countries.
As at June 1, Japan was offering the highest price of US$10,63 per kg followed by Hong Kong US$7,15 per kg and China US$6,79 per kg.

Netherlands and the Philippines were both offering US$6,62 per kg. Zimbabwe exports semi-processed tobacco to different destinations. The crop is popular for its high quality and competitive flavour.

Meanwhile, tobacco deliveries at the auction floors have continued to decline. As of Week 16 a total of 110 million kg had been sold at an average price of US$3,75 per kg.

Auction and contract sales have contributed 44,4 million kg and 65,6 million kg respectively.
This is an increase from the 103,1 million kg that were sold through the auction and contract floors during the same period last season. 
Growers at the auction floors are, however, concerned that prices have remained stagnant when the quality of the leaf is improving.

Normally tobacco prices are expected to increase as the quality of the leaf improves.
Zimbabwe expects 150 million kg to go under the hammer this season as the country moves towards regaining its status as one of the major tobacco producers in the world.