Deportation Threats Fail to Lift Prices

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 04/16/2009

Malawi earned US$7.1 million from Burley auctions during the first two weeks of 2009 sales, down from US$23.6 million during the first two weeks of the previous year's sales, according to a Bloomberg report quoting the Nation newspaper. The Tobacco Association of Malawi says that tobacco has been selling at an average price of US$1.22 per kg so far this year, while the government-set minimum prices are US$2.15 per kg for Burley and US$3.09 per kg for flue-cured. President, Bingu wa Mutharika, has given buyers until tomorrow to improve prices or face deportation. Enditem