News / National
Zimbabwe tobacco sales hit US$800 million
31 May 2025 at 13:48hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's tobacco earnings have soared to over US$800 million since the start of the 2025 marketing season in March, reflecting a strong rebound in output and continued global demand for the golden leaf.
According to the latest figures released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), farmers had sold 237.2 million kilograms of tobacco by Day 57 of the marketing season, marking a 34 percent increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
The total revenue of US$800.3 million was achieved at an average price of US$3.37 per kilogram, significantly higher than the US$616.2 million earned from 176.6 million kilograms sold during the corresponding period in 2024.
The bulk of the tobacco has been sold through the contract system, which accounted for 225 million kilograms valued at US$756.3 million. In contrast, only 12.2 million kilograms worth US$44 million were sold through auction floors, highlighting the dominance of the contract model in Zimbabwe's tobacco trade.
The marketing season has now entered its peak phase, with farmers currently delivering between 5.5 and 6 million kilograms of tobacco daily to the floors.
TIMB officials say the country is on track to meet its seasonal projection of 300 million kilograms, which, if achieved, will cement Zimbabwe's position as one of the leading tobacco producers in Africa and globally.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe's top agricultural export earner and plays a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods, with tens of thousands of farmers relying on the crop for income.
Authorities have, however, been urging greater investment in local processing and value addition to ensure the country derives maximum benefit from its tobacco industry beyond just leaf exports.
According to the latest figures released by the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), farmers had sold 237.2 million kilograms of tobacco by Day 57 of the marketing season, marking a 34 percent increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
The total revenue of US$800.3 million was achieved at an average price of US$3.37 per kilogram, significantly higher than the US$616.2 million earned from 176.6 million kilograms sold during the corresponding period in 2024.
The bulk of the tobacco has been sold through the contract system, which accounted for 225 million kilograms valued at US$756.3 million. In contrast, only 12.2 million kilograms worth US$44 million were sold through auction floors, highlighting the dominance of the contract model in Zimbabwe's tobacco trade.
TIMB officials say the country is on track to meet its seasonal projection of 300 million kilograms, which, if achieved, will cement Zimbabwe's position as one of the leading tobacco producers in Africa and globally.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe's top agricultural export earner and plays a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods, with tens of thousands of farmers relying on the crop for income.
Authorities have, however, been urging greater investment in local processing and value addition to ensure the country derives maximum benefit from its tobacco industry beyond just leaf exports.
Source - Herald
