Caustic soda imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported caustic soda worth $9.5 million (12.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 23% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $12.3 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 | $9.5M | 12.0K t |
| 2023 | $12.3M | 11.8K t |
| 2022 | $7.9M | 6.6K t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 7.2K t |
| 2020 | $3.6M | 6.6K t |
| 2019 | $3.6M | 4.9K t |
| 2018 | $3.1M | 2.1K t |
| 2017 | $4.4M | 6.0K t |
Where Zambia imports caustic soda from
The largest suppliers were India (36%), China (23%), Hong Kong (12%). Among the main suppliers, Hong Kong grew fastest (+898% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.4M | 36% |
| China | $2.2M | 23% |
| Hong Kong | $1.1M | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $699K | 7.4% |
| DR Congo | $584K | 6.2% |
| Kuwait | $509K | 5.4% |
| Qatar | $303K | 3.2% |
| South Africa | $290K | 3.1% |
| Mozambique | $178K | 1.9% |
| Botswana | $160K | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 2815
| 2815.11 | Sodium hydroxide solid | 98% |
| 2815.12 | Sodium hydroxide solution | 2% |
| 2815.20 | Potassium hydroxide | 0.1% |
| 2815.30 | Peroxides of sodium or potassium | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2815.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.79 per kg, 132% above the world average of $0.34. 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.
Caustic soda exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported caustic soda worth $4.3 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 99% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+156% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $4.3M | 99% |
| Malawi | $29K | 0.7% |
| Botswana | $19K | 0.4% |
| Rwanda | $5K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia caustic soda imports (HS 2815): 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 2815: Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda); potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) peroxides of sodium or potassium.
Common questions
What is the value of caustic soda imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported caustic soda worth $9.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 12.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 80th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply caustic soda to Zambia?
India was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by China (23%) and Hong Kong (12%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 898% on the year.
What is the average import price of caustic soda per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.79 per kg in 2024, 132% above the world average of $0.34 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of caustic soda to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.4 million in 2017 to $9.5 million in 2024, an increase of 115%. The peak was 2023 at $12.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.2 million a year.
Does Zambia also export caustic soda?
Yes. Zambia exported $4.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Malawi and Botswana. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for caustic soda?
The HS code for caustic soda is heading 2815. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 2815.11 (98% of the value) and 2815.12 (2%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Zambia. Tell us your product to see it live.
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