Harare, (New Ziana) – The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) said on Monday 217 million kilogrammes of the golden leaf had so far been sold, and dismissed rumours tobacco auction floors were about to close for the season.
This follows unverified claims that several auction floors closed before the official end of the tobacco marketing season.
In a statement, TIMB said farmers have earned more than half a billion United States dollars from tobacco sales since the marketing season began in March.
“Tobacco sales floors remain open to ensure all growers have adequate opportunity to market their crop. Growers are encouraged to continue with post-harvest processes, including grading and baling, in preparation for sale.
“TIMB is the sole authority mandated to announce the opening and closing of tobacco sales floors through its official and verified communication channels,” the board said.
The board also released statistics showing that tobacco sold by farmers as of 08 May 2026 was valued at US$561.6 million, representing a 34 percent increase from the 163.6 million kilogrammes worth US$554.1 million sold during the same period last season.
This comes despite average prices remaining lower at US$2.58 per kilogramme compared to US$3.39 per kilogramme recorded during the corresponding period last year.
TIMB statistics further showed that the highest price recorded since the opening of the marketing season was US$5.75 per kilogramme, which is nine percent lower than the US$6.30 per kilogramme recorded during the same period last year.
At least 378 million kilogrammes of tobacco are expected to be sold during the current marketing season.
Tobacco remains one of Zimbabwe’s major foreign currency earners, although the sector has recently come under increasing pressure from global anti-tobacco campaigns and proposed bans.
New Ziana
