Zimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season began with expectations of increased output due to favorable rainfall, with projections of over 280 million kg. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board expresses optimism about recovery after last year’s drought. China stands as the largest consumer, positively impacting the sector’s earnings and growth.
Zimbabwe commenced its 2025 tobacco marketing season on March 6, demonstrating optimism among stakeholders regarding increased output attributed to favorable rainfall conditions. Patrick Devenish, chairman of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, highlighted expectations of a significant recovery in production following last year’s decline, which was primarily due to an El Niño-induced drought.
The anticipated tobacco crop is estimated to exceed 280 million kilograms, significantly surpassing last year’s output of over 240 million kilograms. This production contributed upwards of 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in export earnings. The harvesting season typically spans from January to July each year, indicating a structured timeline for stakeholders involved in this essential sector.
China serves as the primary consumer of Zimbabwean tobacco, with increasing demand expected to bolster the industry. Devenish emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, noting, “Chinese are our biggest and best customer. They take our best tobacco, and they pay the top prices.”
Tobacco continues to be a major agricultural export for Zimbabwe, mainly cultivated by small-scale farmers, and remains one of the country’s leading sources of foreign currency. The optimism surrounding this season signifies a crucial opportunity for economic recovery and growth in the agricultural sector.
The 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe has commenced with great expectation for increased production driven by favorable weather. Stakeholders are particularly optimistic about meeting and exceeding last year’s figures, with China’s demand for tobacco playing a pivotal role. The sector remains vital for the nation’s economy, highlighting the significance of agriculture as a driver for foreign currency earnings.
Original Source: english.news.cn
