By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has announced that the 2026 auction tobacco marketing season will officially close on 31 July, while contract sales will continue until individual contractors have completed purchasing tobacco from their contracted growers.
TIMB chief executive, Emmanuel Matsvaire confirmed the development in a statement to stakeholders, saying growers who still have unsold tobacco after the auction season closes will be able to deliver it to any auction floor for the mop-up sales scheduled for August.
“All auction floors will officially close on Friday, 31 July 2026. Mop-up sales will be conducted on 5 and 6 August 2026. Contract sales will continue until individual contractors have completed receiving tobacco deliveries from their contracted growers,” Matsvaire said.
The 2026 tobacco marketing season has recorded strong sales despite the challenges experienced during its early stages, with more than 353.8 million kilogrammes of tobacco sold by day 93.
“By day 93, Zimbabwe had sold over 353.8 million kilogrammes of tobacco, representing a two percent increase over the corresponding period last year, demonstrating the resilience of the country’s tobacco sector and the continued confidence of growers in tobacco production.
“The 2026 tobacco marketing season has generally been successful, notwithstanding the challenges experienced during the early stages of the marketing period,” the TIMB chief executive said.
Statistics released by TIMB show that, cumulatively, tobacco sold upto day 93 was valued at US$882.4 million, compared to 347 million kilogrammes worth US$1 billion sold during the corresponding period last year.
However, prices have remained below last year’s levels, with the average price declining to US$2.49 per kilogramme from US$3.33 recorded over the same period in 2025.
The highest price recorded this season was US$5.75 per kilogramme, down from US$6.30 per kilogramme achieved during the corresponding period last year.
Matsvaire said the marketing season unfolded against a difficult global market environment characterised by increased tobacco production in major producing countries, higher carry-over stocks from previous seasons and subdued international demand, factors that combined to exert downward pressure on prices.
“Locally, lower prices recorded at the beginning of the season were also influenced by limited buyer participation and reduced competition. As more buyers entered the market and competition improved, tobacco prices strengthened and market conditions became more favourable,” he added.
Despite the challenging market conditions, Zimbabwe maintained strong sales volumes, continued to attract buyer participation and retained its position as one of the world’s leading producers of flue-cured tobacco.
As preparations for the 2026/27 production season gather momentum, TIMB has urged growers to prioritise productivity and quality improvements rather than expanding hectarage.
Zimbabwe is the world’s fifth-largest tobacco producer, a position built on the efforts of more than 140 000 active farmers and the resilience of players across the tobacco value chain. Tobacco exports generate more than US$1 billion in foreign currency earnings for the country.
New Ziana
