Data readers and transcription machines imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported data readers and transcription machines worth $2.1 million (54 tonnes). That is 23% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $4.5 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 | $2.1M | 54 t |
| 2023 | $2.7M | 91 t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 74 t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 53 t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 10 t |
| 2019 | $4.5M | 19 t |
| 2018 | $2.5M | 11 t |
| 2017 | $3.0M | 20 t |
Where Zambia imports data readers and transcription machines from
South Africa alone supplied 58% of it. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+187% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $1.2M | 59% |
| United Kingdom | $186K | 9% |
| China | $129K | 6.2% |
| United States | $74K | 3.6% |
| India | $72K | 3.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $71K | 3.5% |
| Japan | $50K | 2.4% |
| Panama | $46K | 2.2% |
| Germany | $40K | 1.9% |
| South Korea | $24K | 1.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $38.07 per kg, 75% below the world average of $152.76, 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 data readers and transcription machines imports (HS 8471.90): 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 8471.90: Magnetic or optical readers, machines for transcribing data onto data media in coded form and machines for processing such data, not elsewhere specified or included.
Common questions
What is the value of data readers and transcription machines imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported data readers and transcription machines worth $2.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 54 tonnes. That ranks it 111th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply data readers and transcription machines to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 58% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by the United Kingdom (9%) and China (6%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 640% on the year.
What is the average import price of data readers and transcription machines per kg?
The average declared import value was about $38.07 per kg in 2024, 75% below the world average of $152.76 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of data readers and transcription machines to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.0 million in 2017 to $2.1 million in 2024, a fall of 30%. The peak was 2019 at $4.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for data readers and transcription machines?
The HS code for data readers and transcription machines is subheading 8471.90. It sits in HS chapter 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances, boilers, nuclear reactors; parts thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8471 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zambia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World data readers and transcription machines trade: top importers and exporters
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