MUNASHE MATAMBO
Tobbacco exports have hit $463,2 million after exporting a total mass of 105,2 million kilograms of tobacco to over 50 countries as at 11 October 2018. The figures imply that a slump of $5 million in export earnings has been realized in comparison with last year’s earnings during the same period.
According to Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the country exported 108,2 kilograms of the golden leaf while earning $468,2 million last year during the same period.
“China was the biggest export destination with a total of 24 million kilograms, followed by South Africa which accounted for approximately 19,8 million kilograms. Both destinations earning the country a total of $177 million and $57,5 million respectively. Ranking third is the United Arab Emirates which bought 9,7 million kg valued at $21 million at an average price $2,17 per kg.
“Tobacco has been exported to over 40 countries so far. Last year, during the same period, China and South Africa were again the country’s top export destinations with earnings of $164 million and $45 million respectively,” reads part of the TIMB’s latest weekly bulletin.
Other buyers are from France, Taiwan, Sudan, Germany, Indonesia, Egypt, United States, Mozambique, Zambia, Iran and Tanzania.
Locally, the weekly bulletin is showing that there is a general increase in newly registered tobacco growers across the country for the 2018/19 growing season. 3 559 new growers have registered for the 2018/19 season in Mash Central, 359 in Mash West, 1 199 in Mash East and 72 new growers in Midlands.
Figures also review that the total area planted for the coming 2018/19 season is 6 572 hectares (ha), a decline from last year’s 2017/18 season which recorded a total of 11 945 ha.
The average price for buying tobacco has gone down to $2,92 per kg from $2,96 per kg last year during the same period.
