The 2026 tobacco marketing season has started on a weak note, with lower sales and earnings in the first week compared to last year.
According to a market performance update, between 20 and 24 April 2026, about 2.2 million kilogrammes of tobacco were sold, earning around $4.8 million at an average price of $2.13 per kilogramme.
This is a drop from the same period in 2025, when 4.1 million kilogrammes were sold, generating about $9.4 million at an average price of $2.30 per kilogramme.
Spokesperson for the Tobacco Commission, Telephorus Chigwenembe, attributed the decline to high rejection rates at auction floors due to poor quality.
“We have seen high rejection rates in the first week mainly because of quality issues. We are working with farmers and buyers to improve grading and handling so that more tobacco meets market standards.”he said.
Chigwenembe added that the Commission is engaging stakeholders to reduce rejections and improve performance.
Despite the slow start, officials remain hopeful that sales will improve as the season continues.
