Tobacco volume at 187.1 million kg on 22 Aug as marketing season wound down is unlikely to reach the targeted 205 million kg due to inclement weather and diseases, Xinhua reported.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) data show the average seasonal price at USD 2.97 per kg (EUR 2.52) is marginally higher than USD 2.94 last growing season, the news agency said. Auction sales closed 11 Aug, although a few contract buyers remain active, Xinhua said. China has been the largest purchaser of Zimbabwean FCV in recent years.