Tobacco exports up 67 per cent

Tobacco exports increased 67 per cent to Rs 1,610 crore during the first two quarters of FY’09, compared with Rs 961.81 crore during the same period last year. In terms of quantity, exports during the period stood at 124,178 tonnes, up 27 per cent over 97,626 tonnes last year.

Tobacco Board chairman J Suresh Babu said taking advantage of the congenial international market, traders achieved significant growth in exports. Of the total exports, tobacco leaf accounted for 110,489 tonnes (Rs 1,335.81 crore) while products garnered Rs 274.31 crore for 13,689 tonnes. Flue cured Virginia tobacco (FCV) worth Rs 1,101.22 crore (87,278 tonnes) was traded abroad, registering an increase of 22 per cent in terms of quantity and 77 per cent value-terms, compared with the first two quarters last year.

Despite setbacks, West Europe emerged as the biggest buyer by lifting 35,423 tonnes of Indian tobacco for Rs 456.79 crore. Last year, buyers from European countries bought 23,802 tonnes (Rs 224.25 crore).

South and South-east Asia were the second best buyers. These countries imported 28,903 tonnes (Rs 373.91 crore as against last year’s Rs 213.36 crore). However, exports to East Europe, which used to be India’s traditional buyer- have not yet picked up. These countries purchased 16,751 tonnes as against 16,329 tonnes last year. African countries imported 13,503 tonnes of Indian tobacco, West Asia bought 7,713 tonnes, North and South America 6,114 tonnes and Australasia 2,804 tonnes.

Among products, cigarettes accounted for 3,306 tonnes (Rs 93.56 crore), chewing gum/zarda 3,876 tonnes (Rs 110.19 crore), beedis 331 tonnes (Rs 17.39 crore), and cut tobacco 2,471 tonnes (Rs 35.74 crore).