Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
The TOBACCO tobacco sector has generated US$859,6 million from sales during the 2026 marketing season despite facing subdued global prices that resulted in a 20 percent decline in export earnings compared to the previous year.
Latest figures from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) show that the country sold 344,2 million kilogrammes of tobacco this year, up from 321,4 million kilogrammes recorded in 2025, representing a seven percent increase in volumes.
However, the growth in output was not matched by earnings, with total sales value declining from US$1,07 billion last year to US$859,6 million this season.
The decline was largely driven by reduced average prices, which fell by 26 percent from US$3,35 per kilogramme in 2025 to US$2,50 per kilogramme this year.
TIMB spokesperson Mrs Chelesani Moyo-Tsarwe said the performance reflected the resilience of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry amid challenging conditions on the international market.
“While the market environment has remained challenging, characterised by price pressures globally, the increase in volumes delivered and sold demonstrates the continued commitment by farmers and the resilience of the tobacco value chain,” she said.
Mrs Moyo-Tsarwe said efforts were ongoing to improve quality, productivity and market access to ensure farmers derive maximum value from their crop.
“The focus remains on enhancing production efficiencies, improving quality standards and ensuring that Zimbabwean tobacco remains competitive on the international market,” she said.
The figures show that 4,3 million bales were laid during the 2026 season, compared to 4,07 million bales in 2025, while 4,12 million bales were sold, up from 3,95 million bales recorded last year.
The average bale weight also increased from 81 kilogrammes in 2025 to 84 kilogrammes this year.
Despite increased deliveries, the season also recorded a rise in rejected tobacco, with rejected bales increasing by 54 percent from 120 381 last year to 185 799 this year.
The rejection rate increased from 2,95 percent to 4,31 percent.
Industry analysts say the increase in volumes highlights progress in production, but the fall in prices underscores the need for farmers to continue focusing on quality improvement and value addition.
Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s major foreign currency earners, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers and contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural economy.
The Government has been pushing for increased productivity, improved farmer support systems and greater value addition within the tobacco sector as part of broader efforts to maximise returns from agricultural exports.
While the 2026 season recorded lower earnings compared to 2025, the growth in volumes indicates sustained farmer participation and confidence in tobacco production as a key commercial crop.
