North Macedonia tobacco prices expected to exceed 420 denars per kilogram

North Macedonian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, Borche Serafimovski, announced that the average purchase price for this year's tobacco harvest is expected to exceed 420 denars per kilogram. Speaking at the International Association of Tobacco Growers (ITGA) forum in Prilep, the minister emphasized that the ministry is coordinating the procurement process to ensure transparent assessments and timely fulfillment of obligations by buyers.

In addition to sales revenue, tobacco growers will receive subsidies based on quality: 80 denars per kilogram for first-class, 70 denars for second-class, and 60 denars for third-class tobacco. This initiative aligns with the 2021–2027 Tobacco Production Strategy.

Serafimovski noted that high temperatures and drought have impacted yields and leaf characteristics. To address climate change, the ministry is collaborating with the Scientific Institute for Tobacco in Prilep and the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food in Skopje to develop science-based production planning. The tobacco sector currently involves approximately 18,000 farms and generates an annual foreign exchange inflow of 140 to 150 million euros.