Zimbabwe’s tobacco leaf exports rose to $1.2 billion in 2023

According to the Herald, Zimbabwe earned $1.2 billion from tobacco exports in 2023, compared to $975 million last year.

As of December 15, the country has exported 233.9 million kilograms of golden leaf tobacco, according to the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).

The average price for the shipments was $5.23 per kilogram, up from $4.96 during the same period in 2022.

In the same period last year, Zimbabwe shipped 196.57 million kilograms.

Most of Zimbabwe's tobacco is exported to Far East countries. In 2023, the country shipped 109.45 million kilograms to the region, earning $779.2 million at an average price of $7.12 per kilogram.

Africa is the second-largest market for Zimbabwean flue-cured tobacco, consuming 40.84 million kilograms worth $141.6 million in 2023.

Despite the late arrival of the rainy season and a decrease in registered growers, stakeholders remain optimistic about achieving a target of 300 million kilograms of crops in 2024.

As of December 15, 2023, the number of registered growers was 112,447, down from 144,446 during the same period last year.

94% of registered growers are contracted growers.