Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers have sold significantly more tobacco during the 2026 marketing season compared to the same period last year, but a sharp decline in prices has resulted in lower overall earnings, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
In its Day 59 comparison of the 2026 and 2025 tobacco marketing seasons, TIMB said the sector recorded substantial growth in sales volumes, with farmers delivering and selling an additional 41.4 million kilogrammes of tobacco compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
“Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector has produced and sold much more tobacco in 2026, but the sharp fall in prices has reduced total farmer earnings compared to 2025,” TIMB said.
The board noted that tobacco sales volumes increased by 16.6 percent, reflecting stronger production and higher deliveries to the market.
“Volume up strongly. Farmers sold 41.4 million kg more tobacco than at the same stage in 2025,” TIMB said.
However, the increase in production has been overshadowed by a significant drop in prices, which has eroded growers’ incomes despite the higher output.
According to TIMB, the average tobacco price declined from US$3.37 per kilogramme during the comparable period in 2025 to US$2.52 per kilogramme this year.
“Prices down sharply. Average price fell from US$3.37/kg to US$2.52/kg. Farmers received about 25% less per kilogram,” the board said.
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The decline in prices has had a direct impact on total earnings generated by tobacco sales, with farmers collectively receiving less revenue than they did during the same period last year.
“Revenue lower despite higher production. Although sales volumes rose by 16.6%, lower prices caused total earnings to decline by about US$106.8 million,” TIMB said.
The figures underscore the challenges facing growers despite favourable production levels, as weaker prices continue to affect profitability across the tobacco value chain.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s largest agricultural export crop and one of the country’s leading foreign currency earners. The crop supports hundreds of thousands of farmers and workers involved in production, processing and marketing activities.
