Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports have earned a staggering US$381 million to date, as the country continues to ride a wave of strong global demand and intensifies its drive towards value addition.
According to the latest data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), the country has exported 62.3 million kilograms of semi-processed tobacco to various international markets, including the Far East, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Oceania, and the Americas.
The Far East remains the biggest and most lucrative market for Zimbabwean tobacco, importing 34.8 million kilograms worth US$269.6 million at an average price of US$7.75 per kilogram.
Other key destinations, include the European Union, which imported just over five million kilograms valued at US$27 million, and Africa, which took in 11.9 million kilograms valued at US$52.5 million.
Tobacco from Zimbabwe continues to be highly prized on the global market, particularly the flue-cured variety, which is known for its rich flavour.
The crop is the country’s top agricultural export and provides the best economic return per hectare among all major crops. It also plays a vital role in employment, sustaining more than 1.2 million workers and supporting up to six million dependents along the value chain.
The tobacco industry is shifting its focus toward increasing the volume of value-added exports.
The goal is to grow the share of cut rag and cigarette production from the current 10.15% to 30% by end of 2025.
Government and private players are ramping up efforts to meet this target by investing in processing facilities and encouraging local beneficiation.
Currently, Zimbabwe is home to 10 operational cigarette manufacturers with a combined annual production capacity of approximately 4.4 billion sticks.
This signals strong potential for increased export earnings if value addition continues to gain traction.
As global markets continue to demand Zimbabwe’s high-quality tobacco, the country is positioning itself not just as a raw exporter, but as a value-adding player capable of boosting foreign currency earnings and industrial growth.
