Published: 30 January 2014

ZIMBABWE has this year exported more than five million kilogrammes of tobacco valued at $22,3 million, data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show.

TIMB indicated that as of January 24, a total of 23 countries had already imported 5,076,268kg worth $22,314,304,99 at an average price of $4,40 a kg.

"The total volume of exported tobacco stands at 5 million kg at an average price of $4,40 per kg," it said.
China, which last year remained the major importer of flue-cured tobacco for the fourth year running continued with the topmost spot having so far imported 1,261 million kg valued $11,8 million.

The United Arab Emirates was on second position having taken 1,129 million kg worth $3,8 million while Belgium was on third position importing 749,520 kg of the golden leaf valued at $1,270 million.

Vietnam and Russia were among the top five major importers of Zimbabwe tobacco importing 480,960kg and 296,400kg respectively.
The two European countries-Vietnam and Russia have so far spent $954,759,60 and $4404,028 respectively on the golden leaf from Zimbabwe.

Last year, flue-cured tobacco exports increased by 18,2 percent from the 2012 levels to 153 million kg raking in $877,5 million.
The exports for 2013 went to 51 countries compared to 52 destinations across the globe in 2012.
- herald