Coal imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of coal by Zambia reached $20.1 million in 2024 (293.9 thousand tonnes). Value rose 15% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 27% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $20.1M | 293.9K t |
| 2023 | $17.4M | 220.4K t |
| 2022 | $14.3M | 134.9K t |
| 2021 | $8.6M | 139.2K t |
| 2020 | $5.8M | 232.8K t |
| 2019 | $5.0M | 29.6K t |
| 2018 | $6.3M | 54.8K t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 19.7K t |
Where Zambia imports coal from
One supplier dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 98% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $19.6M | 98% |
| United Arab Emirates | $206K | 1% |
| China | $180K | 0.9% |
| Hong Kong | $39K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $6K | 0% |
| Aruba | $4K | 0% |
| Botswana | $3K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2701
| 2701.12 | Bituminous coal | 76% |
| 2701.19 | Coal (other types) | 24% |
| 2701.20 | Coal briquettes | 0% |
| 2701.11 | Anthracite coal | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2701.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.07 per kg, 46% below the world average of $0.13, 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.
Coal exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported coal worth $17.8 million (190.4 thousand tonnes). DR Congo alone took 100% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $17.8M | 100% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia coal imports (HS 2701): 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 2701: Coal; briquettes, ovoids and similar solid fuels manufactured from coal.
Common questions
What is the value of coal imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported coal worth $20.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 293.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 83rd of 179 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply coal to Zambia?
Zimbabwe was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($19.6 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (1%) and China (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 770% on the year.
What is the average import price of coal per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.07 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $0.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of coal to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $20.1 million in 2024, an increase of 441%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $10.2 million a year.
Does Zambia also export coal?
Yes. Zambia exported $17.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, South Africa and India. That compares with imports of $20.1 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for coal?
The HS code for coal is heading 2701. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 2701.12 (76% of the value) and 2701.19 (24%).
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
Coal product types in Zambia
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