Zim tobacco export earnings jump 240pc

ZIMBABWE’S tobacco exports increased by 240 percent to US$274,7 million in January this year compared to the same period last year when US$80,9 million worth of the crop was shipped from the country, latest official figures show.

The golden leaf is one of Zimbabwe’s major foreign currency earners, including gold and platinum, and the crop raked in just over US$1,2 billion from the more than 233 million kilogrammes exported last year.

Last year, during the corresponding period Zimbabwe exported 15,4 million kg.

In 2022, the southern African nation generated nearly US$1 billion from flue cured tobacco exports.

Zimbabwe exports the bulk of its golden leaf to countries in the far East such as China.

According to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) weekly report for the period ended January 26, 2023, a total of 37,8 million kg have been exported this year with the bulk of the golden leaf going to China, which has so far imported 30,2 million kg valued at US$248,8 million.

The average price was US$8,24 per kg. African countries imported the second largest amount of Zimbabwean tobacco at 3,2 million kg worth US$9,3 million at an average price of US$2,89/kg.

European Union countries imported 1,3 million kg of tobacco from Zimbabwe valued at US$2,6 million at an average price of US$2,09 a kg.

Zimbabwe has since the beginning of this year also exported its golden leaf to countries in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

Meanwhile, a total of 113 101 hectares have so far been planted under tobacco in the 2023/2024 summer cropping season compared to 117 645ha in the same period last year.

The decrease in the area planted is largely attributed to the late onset of the planting season that has been occasioned by the delayed start of the rain season to mark the start of the current cropping season.

“A total of 114 994 growers have registered so far in preparation for the current season.

“This compares to 147 978 growers who had registered during the same period last year.

“A total of 91 percent of the registered growers are contracted,” said TIMB in the report.

Stakeholders in the tobacco sector are optimistic of achieving 300 million kg of the crop in the 2024 marketing season despite the late onset of the rains and depressed number of registered growers.

Attaining the 300 million projection is on account that the crop does not require much rainfall and coupled with good agronomic practices by the farmers, the target is achievable.