The 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe has launched with hopes of increased production due to favorable rainfall, anticipating over 280 million kg. Industry stakeholders are optimistic about revenues stemming from strong demand, particularly from China, the largest market for Zimbabwe’s tobacco.
Zimbabwe officially commenced its 2025 tobacco marketing season on Wednesday, with industry participants expressing optimism for increased production this year attributed to favorable rainfall conditions. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board’s chairman, Patrick Devenish, highlighted a strong recovery expected in the upcoming season following last year’s decline due to an El Niño-induced drought.
Devenish noted that this year’s crop production is anticipated to exceed 280 million kg, a substantial increase compared to more than 240 million kg produced last year, which yielded approximately 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in export revenue. The country’s tobacco harvest typically spans from January to July.
China remains the largest market for Zimbabwean tobacco, with rising demand from Chinese consumers valued for their preference for quality product offerings and competitive pricing. Devenish emphasized the importance of this partnership for sustaining the growth of the sector, acknowledging China as “our biggest and best customer.”
Tobacco cultivation is predominantly undertaken by small-scale farmers and constitutes Zimbabwe’s foremost agricultural export, significantly contributing to the country’s foreign currency inflow.
In conclusion, the start of the 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe reflects a positive outlook for increased production driven by favorable climatic conditions. With projections of over 280 million kg of tobacco and a strong export partnership with China, stakeholders anticipate enhancing revenue in this key agricultural sector. Tobacco remains a crucial element of Zimbabwe’s economy, predominantly supported by small-scale farmers.
Original Source: english.news.cn
