Tobacco sold at the end of the market season totalled 205.5 million kilograms (453 million pounds) and brought a lower average price of USD 3.17 (EUR 2.32) per kg compared with USD 3.70 last year, Bloomberg reported.

Sales of mostly flue-cured Virginia tobacco rose roughly USD 82 million to USD 652 million, the highest gross since 2001, according to data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) cited by the news agency. Leaf deliveries were about one-third higher this season and exceeded the official projection of 185 million kg, Bloomberg said. Mop-up sales will be held on 15 July.