Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports dipped 0.7% from the previous year to $1.36 billion (as of mid-December), thanks in part to exports to China dropping from $953.2 million to $819.3 million. Despite the 14% decline, the Far East still accounted for 60% of the nation’s total tobacco export value, all data according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
While traditional Asian markets cooled, a massive surge in European demand and steady growth within Africa helped offset the overall decline. The European Union emerged as the standout growth market this season, with export values skyrocketing by 64.5%, going from $103.1 million to $169.6 million. According to the TIMB, the surge reflects a growing preference for Zimbabwe’s high-quality, flue-cured Virginia leaf among continental manufacturers.
