By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe’s tobacco export volumes and earnings have increased significantly, reflecting expanded value addition and beneficiation in the industry to maximise returns.
According to the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB)’s weekly update, the country exported 185.2 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$986.1 million between January and October 2026, marking a substantial increase in both volume and value compared to the corresponding period last year.
“By October 9, 2026, export volumes rose 25,3 percent from 147.9 million kgs in the same period in 2025, while earnings surged 22.6 percent from US$804.4 million to US$986.1 million.
“The average export price declined slightly to US$5.32 per kilogramme this year from US$5.44 per kilogramme recorded last year. The increase in revenue was largely driven by higher export volumes this year,” the TIMB said.
The TIMB noted that the Far East continued to dominate Zimbabwe’s tobacco export market, while improved performance in Africa, Europe and the Americas also contributed to the overall growth in exports.
The Far East remained the country’s largest export destination, accounting for 82.9 million kilogrammes of tobacco worth US$571 million during the period under review.
“This represented an increase from 62.4 million kilogrammes valued at US$423.1 million during the same period last year,” TIMB noted.
Africa ranked second in terms of export volumes, with shipments reaching 41.1 million kilogrammes valued at US$166.3 million, up from 27.1 million kilogrammes worth US$126.4 million recorded during the same period in 2025.
Tobacco exports to Europe also registered growth, with volumes increasing from 8.5 million kilogrammes last year to 12.2 million kilogrammes in 2026. Earnings rose from US$42.2 million to US$61.6 million over the same period.
Similarly, exports to the Americas increased from 5.3 million kilogrammes to 8.6 million kilogrammes, while earnings climbed from US$20.7 million to US$31.7 million.
In contrast, the Middle East market saw export volumes decline, with shipments falling from 22.5 million kilogrammes to 21.1 million kilogrammes. Earnings also edged down from US$65.7 million to US$64.7 million. However, the average export price improved from US$2.92 to US$3.07 per kilogramme.
The European Union market also declined, with export volumes falling from 22.1 million kilogrammes to 19.4 million kilogrammes. Revenue fell from US$126.1 million to US$90.8 million, while the average price dropped from US$5.71 to US$4.69 per kilogramme.
New Ziana
