Malawi’s 2026 tobacco marketing season has recorded a significant decline in both volume and value compared to last year, with 19 weeks of trading showing lower deliveries and reduced earnings, according to the latest media update from the Tobacco Commission (TC).
Data released by the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, Telephorus Chigwenembe, shows that 142.4 million kilograms of tobacco had been sold by week 19, valued at US$282.5 million. This is down from 197.2 million kilograms, worth US$500.4 million, sold during the same period in 2025. The average price also fell to $1.98 per kilogram from $2.54 per kilogram last year.
According to the statement, contract farming continued to dominate the market, accounting for more than 93% of the total volume sold in the 19 weeks. The system remains the preferred channel for most buyers and growers, as it provides structured pricing and assured markets for the leaf.
Chigwenembe said Burley tobacco remained the dominant type, making up 88.8% of total sales. However, it fetched an average price of $1.90 per kilogram, which was 4% below the national average of $1.98 per kilogram. The lower price for the country’s main tobacco variety has raised concerns among smallholder farmers who rely heavily on Burley.
“Flue-Cured Virginia performed better on price, accounting for 10.4% of total volume and averaging $2.64 per kilogram. This was 39% higher than the average price for Burley. The higher returns for Virginia highlight the growing interest in diversifying tobacco types among farmers,” he explained.
Other varieties such as NDDF and SDF recorded smaller shares, together making up less than 1% of total volume. Despite the low volumes, both traded above the national average at $2.18 per kilogram and $2.27 per kilogram respectively, indicating niche demand for specialty tobaccos.
The Commission also reported challenges with quality, as the overall rejection rate for the 19 weeks stood at 9.32%. The situation was worse under the auction system, where 50.95% of all bales offered were rejected.
Officials say this points to the need for improved agronomy and post-harvest handling by growers.
With two weeks to go before the official close of the season on September 10, stakeholders are now focusing on finalizing sales and payments.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to “Our Tobacco Our Economy” and said lessons from this season will inform preparations for the 2027 marketing year.
