Depending on the season and on who you ask, tobacco accounts for between 40 and 70 percent of Malawi’s export earnings.
In a good season, the golden leaf generates a relative level of wealth in the countryside and earns the nation much-needed foreign currency to import the products and services it cannot produce at home.
In a bad season, there will be poverty in the villages.
Read our special report to learn how Malawi is diversifying to make its economy more resilient and prepare for a future with less tobacco.

EPP Accused of Being Tobacco ‘Mouthpiece’ Ahead of Vote
The debate comes as the EU considers significant revisions to tobacco and nicotine regulations that could affect product availability.

N.C. Politicians Call for Relief for Tobacco Farmers
The lawmakers said tobacco production costs rose 30% between 2021 and 2025, compared with an 18% increase across U.S. agriculture overall.

Kentucky Tobacco Farm Gets DOL Reprieve Over Visa Enforcement
The case stems from allegations that the farm violated H-2A temporary agricultural worker program requirements involving wages, recordkeeping, and worker housing.

Pakistani Tob. Growers Call to End Export Tax
The group also opposed a proposed minimum indicative price of $1.89 per kilogram for Virginia tobacco in the 2026-27 budget.

NACS Calls for Fact-Based Approach in EU Tob. Directive Review
Europe’s convenience retail sector comprises more than 684,000 outlets generating more than €250 billion in annual revenue.

ABF Announces $1.3M Illicit Tobacco Seizure
The operation follows a seizure earlier this month involving more than 100,000 cigarettes and 39 kg of loose-leaf tobacco.

LA Passes Two Tobacco, Vape Bills
The law also mandates that tobacco and vapor products move through a regulated manufacturer-to-wholesaler-to-retailer supply chain.

Armenia Tobacco Firm Exampted from Duties
DrimCompany has pledged to invest nearly $25 million and create 100 jobs.


