Zimbabwe: Mash West Tops Tobacco Deliveries

Source from:  The Herald  04/22/2013

Mashonaland West has recorded the highest amount of flue-cured tobacco sold since the opening of the selling season in February.

According to statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, eight weeks of sales have realised 64,1 million kilogrammes with Mashonaland West contributing 35 percent of the sales at 24,2 million kg.

Mashonaland Central has contributed 32 percent (22 million kg), Mashonaland East has sold 14 million kg (20 percent), Manicaland sold 13 percent which translates into 9 million kg.

Midlands and Masvingo have sold 168 000 kg and 21 655 kg respectively.

"Eight weeks of sales have realised 64, 1 million kgs at an average price of US$3,74per kg. Daily deliveries reached peak on day 38 with sales totaling 3,2 million kg," said TIMB in a statement.

Last year the highest mass sold during a single day was 2,6 million kg on the 36th day of sales.

So far, tobacco sales are 16 percent firmer than 2012 sales. However, TIMB said the seasonal average price of US$3,74 per kg is four cents weaker than the same period in 2012. At least 51 083 growers have delivered tobacco against 86 941 growers who have registered for 2013 season. During the same period last year about 64 293 growers had registered. TIMB said about US$93,1 million has been raised from the exportation of flue cured tobacco.

South Africa has continued to top the export markets list with China, Belgium and the United Arab Emirates being some of the major buyers of the Zimbabwean tobacco. Enditem