HARARE, Apr. 24 (NewsDay Live) – Zimbabwe’s tobacco marketing season has posted a sharp rise in volumes by Day 34 of trading on Wednesday this week, although prices remain under pressure.
The Zimbabwe Economic Review said a total of 149.92 million kilogrammes had been sold across auction and contract floors.
The combined average price stood at US$2.65 per kilogramme, significantly lower than last year.
Auction floors accounted for 8.81 million kilogrammes at an average US$2.06 per kg, while contract sales dominated with 141.12 million kilogrammes at US$2.69 per kg.
“The 2026 tobacco marketing season continues to show strong volume growth, though prices remain under pressure compared to last year,” the publication said.
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By the same point in 2025, Zimbabwe had sold 93.99 million kilogrammes at a higher average price of US$3.42 per kg.
This represents a volume increase of over 59% in 2026, alongside an approximate 22.5% decline in prices.
The Zimbabwe Economic Review attributed the divergence to increased supply, quality mix dynamics, and softer global demand.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top agricultural export and a key foreign currency earner, supporting thousands of smallholder farmers, with price movements as critical as output in determining sector earnings.
