HARARE: Zimbabwe has earned $253,67 million from 45,1 million kilogrammes of tobacco exported mainly to China and SA since the beginning of 2016. Statistics from the latest Tobacco Industry Marketing Board’s (TIMB) bulletin show that China accounted for over 20,2 million kg valued at $164 million while SA bought 9 million kg for $26, 2 million.With an estimated 350 million smokers, China has been spending over $200 million per annum on Zimbabwean tobacco.
Part of the TIMB bulletin reads; “As of Tuesday day 61 of operation; 45,1 million kg had been exported to 40 countries, generating $253 million for the local economy. “The golden leaf is presently being exported to these countries at an average price of $5,62 a kg compared to $5,82 from the same period last year,” reads part of the bulletin.
Indonesia has spent $11,7 million on 2,2 million kg and Belgium has bought 2,25million kg valued at $11,11 million. Russia has purchased 2,1 million kg worth $7 million. Other buyers include the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Vietnam, Hong Kong, France, The Netherlands, Germany, Sudan and Tanzania. But the number of tobacco farmers for the 2015 /16 farming season declined to 80 728 from around 94 000 recorded in the previous season.
