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WORLD DEVELOPMENTS
Argentina: Leaf exports are projected to reach a record high of 66,000 metric tons in 2000, despite low export prices. Brazil continues to be a strong competitor for Argentina. Total leaf production is forecast to reach 110,800 metric tons as a result of good weather. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for AR0032.
Egypt: Tobacco imports are likely to increase by 10 percent in 2000 because of leaf stocks dropping to critical lows. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for EG0016.
France: Unmanufactured tobacco production is expected to slide for another straight year in 2000 as a result of unfavorable weather conditions. But burley production is likely to increase in 2000 due to increased cigarette output. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for FR0035.
Greece: Leaf production is estimated to reach 126,470 metric tons in 2000. Oriental tobacco production, which accounts for 78 percent of production, was estimated to drop 23 percent in 2000. Farmers are reportedly switching from oriental production to more profitable varieties of flue-cured tobacco or retiring from tobacco farming. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for GR0011.
India: Tobacco production is forecast to climb marginally from last year’s level. Sources expected that stock level will rise to a record high because of escalated production coupled with decreased export demand. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for IN022.
Italy: Leaf production will likely remain constant in 2000. Flue-cured and oriental exports are expected to increase in 2000 but burley exports are expected to fall. Total imports are estimated to decline as the industry reduces its tobacco stocks to levels more consistent with cigarette production. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for IT0016.
Japan: Cigarette production is expected to decline because of two sharp price hikes during 1999. Despite high cigarette prices, cigarette imports are forecast to increase because of consumer preference for foreign brands. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for JA0054.
Korea: The Korean Tobacco and Ginseng Company unveiled plans to bring leaf production in line with demand. Leaf production is expected to drop by 15 percent as a result of these new policies. Leaf exports are estimated to increase by 15 percent in order to reduce stock levels in 2000. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for KS0051.
Russian Federation: Cigarette production in 2000 is forecast to increase by 273 billion pieces, up 4 percent. Consumer preference continues to shift to domestically produce cigarettes due to their cost advantage over imported brands. Thus, import leaf is projected to increase by nearly 4 percent in 2000. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for RS0022.
South Africa: Cigarette production and use is declining due to increased taxes and anti-smoking efforts. Stricter anti-tobacco legislation is forecast to pass this year which will limit advertising and restrict smoking areas. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for SF0014.
Thailand: Total tobacco production is estimated at 46,100 metric tons, down nearly 26 percent in 2000. This drop in production is due to a reduction in tobacco quota allocated by the Thailand Tobacco Monopoly and excessive rains during the planting season. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for TH0041.
Turkey: Oriental production is estimated to drop by 10 percent in 2000. Exports of oriental tobacco and cigarettes continue to stagnate. But imports of non-oriental tobacco increased slightly in 1999. The market share of U.S. tobacco is projected to decline slightly in 2000. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for TU0023.
United Kingdom: The on-going decline in cigarette production continues to reduce import demand for Unmanufactured leaf. Cigarette production is expected to reach 150 billion pieces, down 3 percent in 2000. This downward trend is attributed to high tax policy, the Asian financial crisis, and anti-smoking campaigns. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for UK0016.
Zimbabwe: Total leaf production is estimated at about 227,000 metric tons, up 14 percent in 2000. Sources reported that the average yield could be the highest on record even though farmers are cutting back on area planted. For complete report go to Attache Reports and search for RH0002.
Zimbabwe Tobacco Auction Update: Zimbabwe's Tobacco Marketing Board reported that 23,809 metric tons of flue-cured tobacco were sold during the first three weeks of the auction season for an average price of U.S.$1.08 per kilogram, down 25 percent in volume and nearly 20 percent in value. Leaf quality is described as high. Deliveries are reported down as a result of social unrest and fuel shortages in the country.
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