Tobacco volume and sales through 26 June at 166.8 million kg and USD 489.3 million (EUR 435.1 million) are nearly identical with the same period last marketing season, The Herald said.

Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board data also show exports since the selling season began in March are valued at USD 248 million, which is USD 11 million less than in 2016, the newspaper said. Looking ahead to next year, seed sales are nearly double what they were last year, The Herald said.