Tobacco farmers have earned $279 million from selling 81.3 million kilograms of flue-cured tobacco this season. The 2025 tobacco marketing season started March 5, with contract floors seeing 77 million kilograms sold at a $3.44 per kilogram average price. Auction floors handled 4.3 million kilograms worth $14.2 million at $3.30 per kilogram average price. The highest price reached $6.30 at contract floors but stayed at $4.99 ceiling for auction sales.
Zimbabwe has exported 50 million kilograms worth $315.2 million at $6.31 per kilogram average price. The Far East remains the main buyer with 29.8 million kilograms purchased for $240.1 million at $8.05 per kilogram. African countries bought 7.2 million kilograms valued at $30.3 million. The Middle East purchased 5.5 million kilograms for $12.4 million.
Tobacco brings more than $1 billion yearly, but earnings could increase through local processing. The industry aims to process 30 percent of tobacco locally instead of exporting raw leaf. TIMB reports they have achieved 10.15 percent value addition already. More than 10 cigarette makers operate in Zimbabwe with a capacity for 4.4 billion cigarette sticks annually. Zimbabwe ranks among the top five global producers of flue-cured tobacco, with its leaf praised for flavor.
Zimbabwe has exported 50 million kilograms worth $315.2 million at $6.31 per kilogram average price. The Far East remains the main buyer with 29.8 million kilograms purchased for $240.1 million at $8.05 per kilogram. African countries bought 7.2 million kilograms valued at $30.3 million. The Middle East purchased 5.5 million kilograms for $12.4 million.
Tobacco brings more than $1 billion yearly, but earnings could increase through local processing. The industry aims to process 30 percent of tobacco locally instead of exporting raw leaf. TIMB reports they have achieved 10.15 percent value addition already. More than 10 cigarette makers operate in Zimbabwe with a capacity for 4.4 billion cigarette sticks annually. Zimbabwe ranks among the top five global producers of flue-cured tobacco, with its leaf praised for flavor.
