Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Auction Opens with Sharp Decline in Sales

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Zimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco auction season opened with a 36.8% drop in sales on its first day compared to last year, as farmers gradually begin harvesting following delayed rains. Data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) revealed that 69,475 kilograms of tobacco were sold, down from 109,948 kilograms on the same day in 2024.

The average price also dipped slightly to US$2.96 per kilogram, against US$3.09 last year, with the lowest price recorded at US$0.10. Revenue from the first day’s sales totalled US$205,676, a decline from US$339,281 in 2024. Experts attribute the slow start to the late onset of rains during the 2024/25 farming season, which delayed harvesting.

Lands and Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka, speaking at the auction launch, emphasised Zimbabwe’s global reputation for high-quality tobacco and called for strategic reforms to boost the sector.

“Our tobacco remains highly sought-after worldwide. We must strengthen alliances to enhance production, value addition, and local financing while managing risks through diversification,” said Masuka.

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Despite the sluggish start, industry analysts expect sales to improve as harvesting gains momentum. Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, a major foreign currency earner, faces pressure to increase value-added processing and reduce reliance on raw exports.

The TIMB has urged farmers to remain patient, assuring them of stable demand as international buyers continue to favour Zimbabwean tobacco for its unique flavour profiles.

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