Flue-Cured Tobacco Exports Earn US$28m

Source from:  herald.co.zw Business Reporter 03/07/2006

A TOTAL of US$28,2 million was realised from exports of semi-processed flue-cured tobacco last month. Last month's figures bring total earnings from the sale of the "golden leaf" this year to US$46,7 million. In January tobacco earned the country US$18,5 million. In February 8,9 million kilogrammes of flue-cured tobacco were exported at an average price of US$3,29 per kg. There were no burley exports during the month. Zimbabwe exports semi-processed tobacco to various destinations where the local leaf finds a ready market because of its unique blending qualities. Zimbabwe's tobacco finds its way to several destinations across the globe including the European Union, the Middle East, Asia and Africa. There has been a fall in the country's total tobacco exports as a result of the drop in production with the sharpest decline being recorded between 2001 and 2003. A total of 200 million kg was produced in 2000 before production slumped to around 150 million kg the next season. According to revised projections Zimbabwe is likely to produce around 60 million kg of tobacco this season, down from 74 million kg in 2005, mainly due to late disbursements of inputs and shortages of coal. Coal is critical for curing tobacco. Enditem