According to figures released by the Tobacco Board of Zambia, a total of 43.17 million kilogrammes of tobacco has been traded, generating US$87.95 million in revenue for growers and industry players.
Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco continued to dominate the market, accounting for the largest share of sales. The crop recorded 36.72 million kilogrammes sold at an average price of US$1.98 per kilogramme, generating US$72.63 million.
Burley tobacco contributed 6.45 million kilogrammes to total sales, attracting a higher average price of US$2.38 per kilogramme and earning US$15.31 million.
The figures indicate that while Burley tobacco fetched a higher price per kilogramme, Flue-Cured Virginia remained the principal revenue driver due to significantly larger production volumes.
The latest sales performance underscores tobacco’s continued role as one of Zambia’s major agricultural export commodities and a key source of income for thousands of small-scale and commercial farmers.
Industry analysts say the sales volumes reflect sustained demand for Zambian tobacco on international markets, although average prices continue to face pressure from changing global market conditions.
In recent years, the Tobacco Board of Zambia has intensified efforts to improve production efficiency, enhance quality standards and expand market access as part of broader efforts to strengthen the sector’s contribution to foreign exchange earnings.
The tobacco marketing season is expected to run until September 2026, with stakeholders closely monitoring sales volumes and earnings during the remaining months of trading.
