TobaccoReporter logo

Tag: flue-cured

  • Europe Helping Offset China Losses in Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Exports 

    Europe Helping Offset China Losses in Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Exports 

    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.

  • U.S. Tobacco Groups Urge Targeted Relief Amid Export Downturn

    U.S. Tobacco Groups Urge Targeted Relief Amid Export Downturn

    Fourteen U.S. agricultural and tobacco-sector organizations sent joint letters to President Donald Trump, Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Secretary Scott Bessent thanking the Administration for expressing willingness to support flue-cured tobacco farmers facing severe trade disruptions. The letters highlighted urgent challenges, including a 20–25% drop in exports, 15–20% decline in farm-gate prices, and shrinking demand from key markets like China. Rising input costs are also adding financial pressure as growers plan for 2026.

    “On May 29th, China wrote to the U.S. leaf merchants that it would not honor its purchase as much as 60 million pounds of flue-cured leaf in 2025. This exit resulted in adverse impacts on prices and values as the season progressed. The surplus created a soft demand that caused a market downturn of 27 cents per pound on average.”

    While the Administration recently announced the $12 billion Farm Bridge Assistance Program, tobacco is currently excluded. The coalition urged targeted relief, citing precedent from the first Trump Administration when tobacco was included in market facilitation programs. The groups emphasized the risk of lost family farms and the need for prompt inclusion of tobacco in relief measures.

    Tobacco Associates disseminated the letters to industry members and encouraged growers to contact local, state, and federal representatives to share personal experiences and the real impact of the downturn, stressing that these voices carry significant weight in shaping policy responses.

    The Honorable Donald J Trump_Tobacco TradeDownload
    Letter to USDA + Treasury – Tobacco TradeDownload

  • Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe Nears $1.1B From Tobacco Exports

    Zimbabwe earned $1.1 billion from 201.4 million kg of semi-processed tobacco exported between January and November, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board. This compares with $1 billion from 208.4 million kg during the same period last year.

    The Far East remained the top buyer, taking 89.1 million kg worth $630.7 million at an average $7.08/kg. Africa followed with 33 million kg valued at $154.6 million, while the Middle East bought 30 million kg for $88 million. The EU imported 27.2 million kg at $5.83/kg, and Europe purchased 12.8 million kg at $5.09/kg. The Americas bought 9.1 million kg, and Oceania, though a small buyer, paid the highest price at $8.45/kg.

    Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export and key foreign currency earner, generating $1.3 billion in 2024 and contributing roughly 30% of total exports.

  • Wilson, N.C., Tobacco Market Opens for 136th Season

    Wilson, N.C., Tobacco Market Opens for 136th Season

    The Wilson, North Carolina, tobacco market opened its 136th season this week with the first bales selling at $1.85 per pound, marking the start of sales at the American Tobacco Exchange and Horizon Limited. Industry leaders said about 75% of U.S. flue-cured tobacco passes through Wilson, cementing its role as the hub of the leaf trade.

    Farmers, buyers, and officials gathered to celebrate the tradition, with U.S. Rep. Don Davis praising tobacco’s impact on eastern North Carolina. “The opening of this market has withstood year after year longer than any of us that are standing here,” Davis said, highlighting the crop’s role in feeding families and funding education.

    Buyers described this year’s crop as strong, with “large, meaty lugs” and solid early demand. Despite concerns over heavy rains in some areas, growers and industry figures said the turnout showed continued enthusiasm for a market that remains “the heart and core” of the region’s economy.

  • Study: Time to Age Tobacco Leaves Shortened

    Study: Time to Age Tobacco Leaves Shortened

    Researchers in China explored how microbial aging affects the flavor quality of flue-cured tobacco and reported that under controlled conditions for 12 months, they were able to replicate results that typically take two to three years to occur naturally.

    Bacillus, particularly Bacillus velezensis TB-1, was identified as a key microorganism linked to aroma development during aging.

    Using solid-state fermentation, B. velezensis TB-1 was applied to low-grade tobacco leaves, significantly boosting levels of important volatile compounds like 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, megastigmatrienone, and 2-methyl-hexanoic acid, which are associated with desirable flavors. Sensory evaluation confirmed improved aroma and taste, demonstrating a promising strategy for enhancing tobacco quality through microbial fermentation.

    The initial findings were filed with Frontiers in Microbiology today (June 17), with a formal paper expected to be published soon.