Zimbabwe records higher tobacco output in 2026 amid challenging market conditions

HARARE, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's tobacco industry has continued to demonstrate resilience despite a challenging global market environment in 2026, registering higher output and stronger sales performance, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said on Friday.

As of Wednesday, Zimbabwe had sold more than 356.2 million kg of tobacco worth 887.9 million U.S. dollars, a 1-percent year-on-year increase in output, demonstrating the resilience of the country's tobacco sector and growers' continued confidence in tobacco production, the industry regulator said in a statement.

China remained the biggest export market, accounting for 34 percent of the total export volume since marketing began in March.

TIMB said the season was characterized by increased global supply, higher carry-over stocks, and subdued international demand, which exerted downward pressure on prices. Locally, prices were initially impacted by limited buyer participation, but strengthened as competition improved.

The 2026 auction marketing season ends on July 31, followed by mop-up sales on Aug. 5 and 6, while contract sales will continue until deliveries are completed.

As preparations for the 2026/2027 season gather momentum, TIMB encouraged growers to prioritize productivity and quality over expanding hectarage, adopt certified seeds, and invest in water conservation practices to improve resilience.

Tobacco is a key agricultural export earner for Zimbabwe, with the country producing 354.8 million kg of the golden leaf worth 1.2 billion dollars in the 2024/2025 tobacco production and marketing season.

Under the country's Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (2026-2030), Zimbabwe is seeking to increase output to 500 million kg and build a 7-billion-dollar tobacco industry by 2030 through enhanced productivity, local value retention and export market diversification. ■