Alcohol imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of alcohol by Zambia reached $8.5 million in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 7% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $13.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.5M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $9.1M | 6.7K t |
| 2022 | $13.2M | 6.5K t |
| 2021 | $8.8M | 6.0K t |
| 2020 | $6.0M | 6.2K t |
| 2019 | $7.4M | 8.5K t |
| 2018 | $9.9M | 8.8K t |
| 2017 | $8.0M | 10.5K t |
Where Zambia imports alcohol from
The largest suppliers were China (28%), Malaysia (21%), South Africa (20%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.4M | 29% |
| Malaysia | $1.8M | 21% |
| South Africa | $1.7M | 20% |
| Indonesia | $1.3M | 16% |
| United Arab Emirates | $418K | 4.9% |
| India | $196K | 2.3% |
| Belgium | $168K | 2% |
| Brazil | $134K | 1.6% |
| Thailand | $76K | 0.9% |
| Singapore | $54K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 2905
| 2905.45 | Glycerol (HS 2905.45) | 53% |
| 2905.19 | Saturated monohydric alcohols (other) | 20% |
| 2905.12 | Propanol | 12% |
| 2905.44 | Pure sorbitol | 3.1% |
| 2905.31 | Ethylene glycol | 2.7% |
| 2905.32 | Propylene glycol | 2.4% |
| 2905.11 | Methanol | 2.1% |
| 2905.17 | Higher fatty alcohols | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2905.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.31 per kg, 134% above the world average of $0.56. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Alcohol exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported alcohol worth $1.7 million (284 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 75% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+40% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $1.3M | 75% |
| DR Congo | $370K | 22% |
| Tanzania | $35K | 2% |
| Uganda | $14K | 0.8% |
| Malawi | $9K | 0.6% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.1% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia alcohol imports (HS 2905): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 2905: Acyclic alcohols and their halogenated, sulphonated, nitrated or nitrosated derivatives.
Common questions
What is the value of alcohol imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported alcohol worth $8.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 91st of 211 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply alcohol to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($2.4 million), followed by Malaysia (21%) and South Africa (20%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 179% on the year.
What is the average import price of alcohol per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.31 per kg in 2024, 134% above the world average of $0.56 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of alcohol to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.0 million in 2017 to $8.5 million in 2024, an increase of 6%. The peak was 2022 at $13.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.9 million a year.
Does Zambia also export alcohol?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the DR Congo and Tanzania. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $6.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for alcohol?
The HS code for alcohol is heading 2905. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 2905.45 (53% of the value) and 2905.19 (20%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zambia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
Alcohol product types in Zambia
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