ZIMBABWE imported 12,4 million kg of flue‒cured tobacco out of the 14,2 million kg target as of last Friday for blending of local cigarettes, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) chief executive officer Andrew Matibiri has said.

Business Reporter

Matibiri said TIMB issued permits to nine merchants since the beginning of this year to import more than 14,2 million kg of flue-cured tobacco.

The imported golden leaf has cost $51 million.

“Zimbabwe imports tobacco for blending in the production of cigarettes for the local market and for exports.

“Our tobacco is one of the most expensive throughout the world and is blended with other cheap tobacco from other countries to make cigarettes inexpensive,” Matibiri said.

Matibiri said the bulk of tobacco was being imported from companies in Zambia and Malawi while some of the tobacco was coming from India and China.

The golden leaf was sold at an average of $3,59 per kg from the six countries – Zambia, Malawi, India, South Africa, China and Mozambique.

According to TIMB, 83 668 growers have so far been registered to grow the cash crop during the 2013/2014 season as compared to 60 003 growers registered to grow tobacco in 2012.