Contract and auction sales through 16 weeks of the growing season were 7 million kilogrammes higher than the comparable period last year at 110 million kg, bringing an average price of USD 3.75 (EUR 2.99) per kg, The Herald of Zimbabwe reported.

Of 23.2 million kg exported through 1 June, 3.9 million kg went to China, making it the biggest importer of Zimbabwean leaf so far this year. South Africa was number two, The Herald said, citing statistics from the country’s Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board. As of 1 June, China was paying USD 6.79 per kg.
Auction deliveries continue to decline, The Herald reported. Auction sales represented 44.4 million kg against 65.6 million kg for contract sales. (pi)