Zimbabwe has raked in US$313,5 million from tobacco exports, information from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board has revealed.
A total of 63,5 million kilogrammes of tobacco were sold to different countries at an average price of US$4,94 per kilogramme.
China remains the major export destination with 21,2 million kilogrammes exported at an average price of US$7,41 per kilogramme.
In Africa, South Africa imported the highest volumes of tobacco from Zimbabwe accumulating to 7,1 million kilogrammes at US$3,46 per kilogramme.
Other major export destinations are United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Belgium, Indonesia and Germany among other countries.
Countries offering high prices are Taiwan offering US$7,44 per kg, Honduras, Ukraine and Malaysia offering US$7,35 per kg each.
As at July 14, Zimbabwe had exported tobacco to 50 countries.
Although the country exports excess tobacco it also imports other varieties that are not produced in this country. TIMB revealed that companies import different varieties of tobacco for blending and processing. The country imported 13,3 million kilogrammes as at July 14.
The bulk of the tobacco imported in July came from Zambia, which also imported 10 600 kilogrammes at US$0,30 per kilogramme. The country bought 11 million kilogrammes from Zambia for processing.
Malawi sold 1,2 million kilogrammes to Zimbabwe for processing and blending at US$4,28 per kilogramme, while India sold 801 455 kilogrammes for blending.
Local companies also import tobacco from South Africa, China and Uganda.
Some local farmers are complaining that the country was importing tobacco when some of the farmers were stuck with burley tobacco. Zimbabwe is well known for producing high quality tobacco but some companies prefer importing, as this is cheaper.
The Herald
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