BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Tobacco Associates for Liberalization in Malawi (TALIMA) has warned that it will shut down all tobacco auction floors starting June 9,2025 if the government and buyers fail to address concerns over low tobacco prices.
TALIMA Chairperson Jaih Kanyondo made the announcement during a press briefing in Mzuzu on Friday,citing ‘deliberate economic sabotage’ against farmers by authorities.
Kanyondo highlighted the meager price increase for top-grade L10 tobacco, which has risen by only 15 cents per kilogram, from $2.85 to $3.00, despite soaring input costs and the kwacha’s decline.
He also pointed to worsening inflation, corruption involving political actors and tobacco buyers, and the government’s inaction as major concerns.
Meanwhile,the Tobacco Commission(TC ) says it will respond once it receives official communication from TALIMA.
Tobacco is a major crop in Malawi, accounting to 70% of the country’s economy.
In 2005, Malawi was the world’s 12th largest producer of tobacco leaves and the 7th largest global supporter of tobacco leaves.
