Tobacco deliveries have surged in the opening week of the 2026 marketing season, generating US$28 million, a 14 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
As the season entered day six, contract deliveries surpassed nine million kilogrammes, while auction volumes rose to over 900 000 kilogrammes, according to statistics from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).
Speaking to the media, Premier Tobacco Auction Floor Spokesperson, Sam Garaba said the market had stabilised after initial concerns from both farmers and buyers.
“During the first week, farmers were expressing concern over prices, and some cancelled their sales. Buyers were also coming in small numbers. This week, things have started to improve, with prices firming grade by grade, and buyers increasing from four to nine. We expect more, and we hope farmers will bring higher quality leaf, which can fetch good prices,” he said.
Ethical Sales Floor Spokesperson, Helen Badza said the rise in prices had boosted farmer confidence.
“We are happy that prices have increased since the floors opened. As one of the floors with the highest average price, we expect deliveries to go up as farmers share the good news with others,” she said.
This year, TIMB has licensed 46 Class A buyers, with those not participating in the current season given a two-week ultimatum to begin purchases or risk losing their licences.
The early gains in the 2026 marketing season are seen as a positive signal for Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, which continues to play a crucial role in generating foreign exchange earnings for the country.
