Zimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season began with expectations of increased production due to favorable rainfall. The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board anticipates crop yields exceeding 280 million kg, with China remaining the largest consumer, driving demand and revenue for the country.
Zimbabwe has commenced its 2025 tobacco marketing season, commencing on March 6, with stakeholders expressing optimism for increased production this year, attributed to beneficial rainfall conditions.
Patrick Devenish, chairman of the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, highlighted expectations of a significant growth in crop yield, predicting it to exceed 280 million kilograms, in contrast to last year’s output. Last year, production reached over 240 million kilograms and garnered more than 1.4 billion U.S. dollars in export revenue.
The harvesting period for Zimbabwe’s tobacco generally spans from January to July. China remains the largest importer of Zimbabwean tobacco, with a rising demand expected to bolster the industry, as noted by Devenish.
He emphasized the importance of Chinese buyers, 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.” Tobacco, predominantly grown by small-scale farmers, stands as Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural export and a vital source of foreign currency.
In summary, the initiation of the 2025 tobacco marketing season in Zimbabwe marks a hopeful turn for the industry, with anticipations of increased production supported by favorable weather conditions. The reliance on Chinese markets and the significance of tobacco as a key export highlight the sector’s critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy.
Original Source: english.news.cn
