Zimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season commenced with optimism for increased output due to favorable rainfall. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board expects a production surpassing 280 million kg, with strong demand from China bolstering the sector.
The 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe commenced on Wednesday, generating optimism among stakeholders for increased production attributed to favorable rainfall. Patrick Devenish, chairman of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, indicated a shift from last year’s performance, adversely affected by drought conditions.
Devenish expressed confidence, stating, “We are expecting a bigger crop, much bigger than last year, over 280 million kg, and I think it will sell well.” This season occurs from January to July, with the previous year witnessing over 240 million kg produced, yielding over 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in export earnings.
China remains the principal consumer of Zimbabwean tobacco, displaying a growing demand which is expected to invigorate the sector. Devenish highlighted the importance of the Chinese market, stating, “Chinese are our biggest and best customer. They take our best tobacco, and they pay the top prices. We expect that to continue. So, we really value them as a customer.”
Given its significant contribution to foreign currency earnings, tobacco, mostly cultivated by small-scale farmers, holds the title of Zimbabwe’s leading agricultural export.
In summary, the commencement of the 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe heralds improved optimism due to favorable weather conditions, which are anticipated to significantly boost output. With expectations of a crop exceeding 280 million kg and China as the primary market, the tobacco sector is poised for economic growth in the coming months.
Original Source: english.news.cn
