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LATEST statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) indicate that more than 24 million kilogrammes worth $93.1 million of flue cured tobacco have been exported at an average price of $3.74 per kilogramme.Belgium, the major buyer, has imported 3.4 million kg of flue cured tobacco worth $9.1 million from Zimbabwe at an average price of $2.69 per kg, while United Arab Emirates has bought 2.2 million kg worth $6.8 million at an average price of $3 per kg.

China and South Africa have bought 1.9 million kg and 1.7 million kg worth $13.9 million and $7.4 million respectively.

TIMB statistics have also shown that Belgium is a major buyer of the Zimbabwean tobacco overtaking China which had maintained the position for the previous four consecutive years.

China is offering $7.95 per kg.

Zimbabwe exports its semi-processed tobacco to 39 countries including UAE, Poland, Indonesia, Germany, Botswana, Montenegro and Russia.

“To date, about 102,396 growers have registered for the 2014 season compared to about 65,444 who had registered by the same period last year most of them being communal farmers,” said TIMB.

Meanwhile, there has been a 19 percent increase in the tobacco that has been sold so far compared to last year.

The seasonal average price continues to increase steadily recording $3.19 per kg which is 15 percent lower than last year’s average price after 38 days of selling.

Of the 22.5 million kg sold under the auction system, 11.1 million worth $33.4 million was sold at Tobacco Sales Floor, 5.7 million worth $15.4 million was sold at Boka Tobacco Floors and 5.7 million  worth $16 million at Premier Tobacco Floors.

At least 185 million kilogrammes of tobacco are expected to go under the hammer this season up from the 166.6 million kg sold last year. — bh24.co.zw.