Alloy steel bars and shapes imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $66.3 million of alloy steel bars and shapes in 2024 (32.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 30% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 34% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $95.1 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 | $66.3M | 32.2K t |
| 2023 | $95.1M | 48.6K t |
| 2022 | $58.1M | 47.2K t |
| 2021 | $43.8M | 43.3K t |
| 2020 | $48.7M | 79.5K t |
| 2019 | $48.5M | 49.8K t |
| 2018 | $21.5M | 44.0K t |
| 2017 | $8.4M | 8.4K t |
Where Zambia imports alloy steel bars and shapes from
The largest suppliers were China (44%), Namibia (41%), South Africa (8%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $28.8M | 44% |
| Namibia | $27.2M | 41% |
| South Africa | $5.0M | 7.5% |
| Sweden | $4.0M | 6% |
| Mauritius | $297K | 0.5% |
| India | $273K | 0.4% |
| Tanzania | $259K | 0.4% |
| Turkey | $210K | 0.3% |
| Indonesia | $107K | 0.2% |
| Poland | $56K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 7228
| 7228.30 | Hot-rolled alloy steel bar | 84% |
| 7228.60 | Alloy steel bar (other) | 8.3% |
| 7228.80 | Hollow drill bar | 5% |
| 7228.10 | High-speed steel bar | 1.7% |
| 7228.40 | Forged alloy steel bar | 0.7% |
| 7228.50 | Cold-finished alloy steel bar | 0.2% |
| 7228.70 | Alloy steel angle | 0.2% |
| 7228.20 | Silico-manganese steel bar | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7228.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.06 per kg, 43% above the world average of $1.44. 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.
Alloy steel bars and shapes exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $2.3 million of alloy steel bars and shapes in 2024 (553 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+926% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.0M | 88% |
| Botswana | $113K | 4.9% |
| Malawi | $97K | 4.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $60K | 2.6% |
| South Africa | $5K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia alloy steel bars and shapes imports (HS 7228): 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 7228: Alloy steel bars, rods, shapes and sections; hollow drill bars and rods, of alloy or non-alloy steel.
Common questions
What is the value of alloy steel bars and shapes imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported alloy steel bars and shapes worth $66.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 32.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 38th of 212 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply alloy steel bars and shapes to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($28.8 million), followed by Namibia (41%) and South Africa (8%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 22% on the year.
What is the average import price of alloy steel bars and shapes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.06 per kg in 2024, 43% above the world average of $1.44 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of alloy steel bars and shapes to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.4 million in 2017 to $66.3 million in 2024, an increase of 687%. The peak was 2023 at $95.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $48.8 million a year.
Does Zambia also export alloy steel bars and shapes?
Yes. Zambia exported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Botswana and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $64.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for alloy steel bars and shapes?
The HS code for alloy steel bars and shapes is heading 7228. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 7228.30 (84% of the value) and 7228.60 (8%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds Zambia trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World alloy steel bars and shapes trade: top importers and exporters
Alloy steel bars and shapes product types in Zambia
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