Catalyst imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $4.5 million of catalyst in 2024 (481 tonnes). That is 721% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 6% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $7.0 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 | $4.5M | 481 t |
| 2023 | $544K | 132 t |
| 2022 | $3.3M | 454 t |
| 2021 | $2.0M | 333 t |
| 2020 | $5.3M | 527 t |
| 2019 | $5.4M | 433 t |
| 2018 | $2.6M | 366 t |
| 2017 | $7.0M | 1.1K t |
Where Zambia imports catalyst from
Most of the value came from United States (37%), South Africa (32%), China (27%). Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+425% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.7M | 37% |
| South Africa | $1.4M | 32% |
| China | $1.2M | 27% |
| Denmark | $96K | 2.2% |
| Malawi | $69K | 1.6% |
| India | $5K | 0.1% |
| Germany | $2K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0% |
| Tanzania | $1K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 3815
| 3815.19 | Supported catalysts (other metals) | 84% |
| 3815.90 | Unsupported catalysts | 14% |
| 3815.12 | Precious metal catalysts | 2.1% |
| 3815.11 | Nickel catalysts | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.28 per kg, 41% below the world average of $15.63, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Catalyst exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported catalyst worth $393 thousand (28 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: United Arab Emirates accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+32% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $292K | 74% |
| DR Congo | $100K | 26% |
| Mozambique | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia catalyst imports (HS 3815): 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 3815: Reaction initiators, reaction accelerators and catalytic preparations n.e.c. or included.
Common questions
What is the value of catalyst imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported catalyst worth $4.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 481 tonnes. That ranks it 83rd of 207 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 721% on 2023.
Which countries supply catalyst to Zambia?
The United States was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by South Africa (32%) and China (27%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 425% on the year.
What is the average import price of catalyst per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.28 per kg in 2024, 41% below the world average of $15.63 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of catalyst to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.0 million in 2017 to $4.5 million in 2024, a fall of 36%. The peak was 2017 at $7.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.8 million a year.
Does Zambia also export catalyst?
Yes. Zambia exported $393 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, the DR Congo and Mozambique. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $4.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for catalyst?
The HS code for catalyst is heading 3815. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3815.19 (84% of the value) and 3815.90 (14%).
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
Catalyst product types in Zambia
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