Zimbabwe tobacco exports dip as Far East demand wanes
Zimbabwean tobacco shipments declined 7.2 percent during January through October 2025 compared with the previous year. Total export revenue reached $921 million, down from $992.6 million one year earlier. This reduction stemmed primarily from a significant drop in sales to Far Eastern countries, where demand weakened considerably. China led this regional market contraction.
Shipments to Middle Eastern nations also decreased 14.6 percent during the same period, totaling $80 million compared with $93.7 million in 2024. African markets provided a contrasting positive trend with exports surging nearly 60 percent to $146 million from $91.3 million. Data from the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board showed Far East sales collapsed 30 percent to $457 million from $652 million, creating the largest negative impact on overall industry performance. These figures highlight shifting global tobacco consumption patterns affecting Zimbabwe’s agricultural exports.
