Cellulose imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported cellulose worth $23.4 million (6.2 thousand tonnes). That is 8% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 35% a year on average.
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 | $23.4M | 6.2K t |
| 2023 | $25.3M | 6.2K t |
| 2022 | $14.1M | 3.7K t |
| 2021 | $9.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $10.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2019 | $9.6M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $16.0M | 3.3K t |
| 2017 | $2.9M | 765 t |
Where Zambia imports cellulose from
The largest suppliers were Finland (50%), South Africa (39%), China (6%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | $11.6M | 50% |
| South Africa | $9.1M | 39% |
| China | $1.4M | 6.1% |
| Mauritius | $272K | 1.2% |
| Namibia | $234K | 1% |
| Mozambique | $176K | 0.8% |
| India | $163K | 0.7% |
| Australia | $150K | 0.6% |
| Tanzania | $113K | 0.5% |
| Eswatini | $50K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 3912
| 3912.31 | Carboxymethyl cellulose | 89% |
| 3912.39 | Cellulose ethers (other) | 8.9% |
| 3912.90 | Cellulose derivatives (other) | 1.4% |
| 3912.11 | Cellulose acetate (unplasticized) | 0.4% |
| 3912.20 | Cellulose nitrate | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3912.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.75 per kg, 23% below the world average of $4.87, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia cellulose imports (HS 3912): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3912: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of cellulose imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported cellulose worth $23.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply cellulose to Zambia?
Finland was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($11.6 million), followed by South Africa (39%) and China (6%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 194% on the year.
What is the average import price of cellulose per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.75 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $4.87 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of cellulose to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.9 million in 2017 to $23.4 million in 2024, an increase of 709%. The peak was 2023 at $25.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for cellulose?
The HS code for cellulose is heading 3912. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3912.31 (89% of the value) and 3912.39 (9%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Cellulose product types in Zambia
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