Tobacco Exports Rise by 13% in Apr-Feb FY'10

Source from:  PTI 03/18/2010

Tobacco exports surged by 13 per cent to 2,28,449 tonnes during April-February this fiscal on higher global demand amid tight world supplies, the Tobacco Board said on Wednesday. In value terms, the tobacco exports were at Rs 3,869.13 crore in the 11 month period against 2,912.29 crore in the same period last year, according to the Tobacco Board data. India, the world's third biggest producer of tobacco, had sold 2,02,174 tonnes in the global market in the year ago period. "The shipments rose due to increased overseas demand amid tight world supplies following restrictions imposed on tobacco cultivation in a few countries," a Tobacco Board official said. Of the total tobacco exports in April-February, raw tobacco shipments were at 2,02,917 tonnes, while that of manufactured products like bidi and cigarettes were at about 25,532 tonnes. In value terms, raw tobacco exporters were at Rs 3,223.38 crore, whil e that of manufactured products were about Rs 645.75 crore. Europe and Russia accounted for bulk of tobacco exports in the current year. The Philippines, Germany and Korea were other major markets. In 2008-09 season, ending September, the country's tobacco production is estimated to be 380 million kg, compared to the quota of 270 million kg, according to the official data. Enditem