Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe has so far sold US$322 million from 59 million kilogrammes (m.kg) of tobacco exported to different parts of the world since January compared to 45.8 m.kg. sold in the same period last year.
During the comparable period in 2014, $211 million was spent on Zimbabwe flue-cured tobacco. Latest data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicates the crop is presently being exported to 51 countries compared to 45 during the prior period. At the moment China is leading as the major consumer of the “golden leaf” from Zimbabwe having so far imported 20.8 million kg valued at $176.8 million at an average price of $8.48 per kg.
In second position is South Africa, having spent $22.2 million so far importing 7.6 m.kg. of tobacco from Zimbabwe at an average price of $2.92 per kg. TIMB says that Indonesia and Belgium have spent $20.5 million and $18.1 million on 4.9 m.kg. and 3.8 m.kg. of tobacco respectively. Russia, which was in fifth position, has so far spent $12.1 million importing 3.1 m.kg. of flue-cured tobacco.
Other countries currently importing tobacco from Zimbabwe include Poland, Morocco, New Zealand, Holland, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Paraguay, Zambia, Madagascar, Malawi, Kenya, Egypt, and Malaysia. In 2014, Zimbabwe earned close to $1 billion through tobacco exports. Contract sales this year recorded 145.4 m. kg at an average price of $3.11 per kg compared to 158.7 m. kg. sold in 2014 averaging $3.32 per kg after 98 days.