Malawi has earned $245.6 million (approximately K425 billion) from tobacco sales in the first 10 weeks of the 2025 marketing season.
This is according to figures from the Tobacco Commission (TC).
So far, the country has sold over 98.4 million kilogrammes (kg) of all types of tobacco at an average price of $2.49 per kg.
However, both the volume of tobacco sold and the revenue generated so far is lower than that during the corresponding period last year.
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In 2024, over 100 million kg had been sold in the same timeframe, generating more than $299.6 million—16 percent higher than this year’s earnings—at an average price of $2.89 per kg.
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In week 10, the average price is at $2.49, which is 14 percent lower than the $2.89 recorded during the corresponding period last year.
TC spokesperson Telephorus Chigwenembe noted that while early weeks of the season saw a significant lag, sales volumes were beginning to close the gap on last year’s figures.
“We are, therefore, assured that we will have good volumes,” Chigwenembe said
According to TC statistics, burley tobacco continues to dominate the market, with over 90.8 million kg sold so far, generating more than $221.7 million at an average price of $2.44 per kg.
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This is 13 percent less than the $254 million earned from burley sales during the corresponding period last year.
Commenting on the performance, economist Marvin Banda said the price and volume trends reflected market sentiment regarding the quantity and quality of Malawi’s tobacco, both domestically and internationally.
“This has implications on our foreign exchange earnings. With increasing demand for imports and a shrinking production base, low forex earnings will negatively impact macroeconomic stability—especially because tobacco remains the number one forex earner for the economy,” Banda said.
He cautioned that unless the government increased foreign-denominated borrowing or received more external grants and aid, the country could struggle to meet its import cover requirements this year.
Banda reiterated the call for Malawi to diversify its export base to reduce overreliance on tobacco and ensure sustainable forex inflows.
Last year, Malawi sold approximately 133 million kg of tobacco, earning over $400 million.
