Malawi has earned over $412 million (approximately K721 billion) from tobacco sales in the first 15 weeks of sales.
The earnings have surpassed last year’s $396 million earning at the end of 16 weeks of trading.
This far, the earnings are from sales of over 161.9 million kilogrammes (kg) of all types of tobacco, an increase from 133 million kilogrammes sold last season.
Despite the higher revenue, the average national price remains lower this year at $2.55 per kg in week 15, compared to $2.98 recorded in week 16—the final week—of the 2024 market.
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Burley tobacco continues to dominate the market in both volume and earnings, with over 148.7 million kg sold, generating more than $370.9 million at an average price of $2.49 per kilogramme.
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In week 15 alone, ending July 18 2025, Malawi sold 12.2 million kg of tobacco, earning $31.9 million at an average price of $2.62.
Farmers’ representative body, Tobacco Association of Malawi (Tama) Trust says the market has been mixed.
Tama Trust Chief Executive Officer Nixon Lita said the 2025 season marks a recovery from five consecutive years of low production.
“It is our expectation that the earlier forecast of about 174 million kilogrammes will be achieved,” he said.
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He further pointed out that this year’s increased production has slowed the turnaround time for sales, meaning farmers are taking longer to sell their leaf.
However, Lita expressed optimism that the market will eventually absorb all the tobacco in time, allowing farmers to begin preparing for the 2026 season.
“The good news is that competition among buyers is increasing each week, which raises hopes for improved prices,” he added.
