Amanze Chinonye
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry has recorded its highest-ever marketing season by volume, underscoring the sector’s resilience despite weak global demand and declining international prices, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said farmers had sold more than 356.2 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$887.9 million by July 29, a one per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2025. The figure represents the highest tobacco deliveries ever recorded during a single marketing season in the country.
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The record output comes amid challenging conditions in the global tobacco market, including oversupply, high carry-over stocks and subdued demand, all of which have weighed on international prices.
Despite the increase in production, growers earned less than they did during the same period last year due to lower prices. TIMB data showed tobacco sales generated US$887.9 million, down from about US$1.17 billion recorded over the corresponding period in 2025. The average selling price this season stood at US$2.49 per kilogramme, reflecting the impact of softer global demand.
However, market conditions improved as the season progressed. According to TIMB, prices strengthened after a slow start as competition among buyers increased, helping to cushion the impact of weak international market conditions.
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China remained Zimbabwe’s largest export destination, accounting for 34 per cent of tobacco export volumes since the marketing season opened in March. Tobacco continues to rank among the country’s leading agricultural exports and remains a key source of foreign exchange earnings.
The auction marketing season officially ended on July 31, while mop-up sales are scheduled for August 5 and 6. Contract sales will continue until all contracted tobacco has been delivered.
Looking ahead, TIMB has urged farmers to focus on improving productivity and leaf quality rather than expanding cultivation areas. The board also encouraged the adoption of certified seed varieties and climate-smart farming practices, including water conservation measures, to improve long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
The latest performance supports Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (2026–2030), under which the government aims to raise annual tobacco production to 500 million kilogrammes and build a US$7 billion tobacco industry by 2030 through increased productivity, greater local value addition and diversified export markets.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
