ZIMBABWE’s tobacco export earnings hit US$338,32 million as of May 9, driven by a near 8% increase in the average export price to US$6,20 per kilogramme (kg), NewsDay Farming understands.
The average export price per kg is from US$5,76 recorded during the same period in 2024.
In an interview with NewsDay Farming, Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) public affairs officer Chelesani Tsarwe confirmed the higher export earnings.
“As of May 9, 2025, the average export price of tobacco was US$6,20, compared to US$5,76 recorded during the same period last year. So far, a total of 54 590 275kgs of tobacco, valued at US$338 328 270 have been exported,” she said.
“The tobacco has been exported to the following various regions Far East, Africa, Middle East, European Union, Americas, Europe and Oceania.”
She said this rise in export prices reflected growing global demand for quality tobacco, which was a positive indicator for the industry.
Tobacco remains Zimbabwe’s top exported agricultural product.
Additionally, predictions of normal to above-average rainfall for the 2024/25 cropping season have further fuelled optimism in the sector.
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Tsarwe also highlighted that the domestic tobacco industry is experiencing a significant boost in sales.
“To date, there have been steady deliveries at both auction and contract floors,” she said.
“As of May 12, 2025, a total of 169 896 354kgs of tobacco has been sold, compared to 144 578 024kgs recorded during the same period last year. The average price is pegged at US$3,39 per kg.
“With the implementation of the new pricing model, there has been greater price stability, reduced fluctuations, and fairer prices being paid to farmers.”
However, last week, TIMB admitted that the current price per kg of tobacco is a US$0,14 drop from what was prevailing during the same period last year.
Tsarwe said TIMB had been proactive in supporting tobacco growers, ensuring that they received their payments promptly.
“TIMB, guided by Statutory Instrument 77 of 2022, stipulates that all tobacco growers are entitled to be paid within two days of completing sales,” she said.
“If, for any reason, payments are delayed beyond this timeframe, the affected growers are urged to report the matter to TIMB for assistance.”
