Zimbabwe’s prices down 14 percent

Zimbabwe’s 2014 flue-cured tobacco marketing season has ended with the final sales volume hitting 216.2 million kg, according to a story in The Herald. This year’s volume sales were 30 percent up on those of 2013, 166.5 million kg; and earnings were increased by 12 percent from USS612.1 million to US$685.2 million.

However, while deliveries and the total value of sales were up, growers had to put up with an average price that was down by 14 percent from US$3.67 per kg to US$3.17 per kg.

Of the total volume delivered this year, 76.5 percent, or 165.5 million kg, was contracted tobacco, while 23.5 percent or 50.7 million kg was sold over the auction floors.