Diesel buses imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of diesel buses by Zambia reached $24.3 million in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 9% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $52.5 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 | $24.3M | 4.5K t |
| 2023 | $26.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $21.7M | 4.8K t |
| 2021 | $52.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $15.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2019 | $30.4M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $19.5M | 1.9K t |
| 2017 | $14.8M | 1.5K t |
Where Zambia imports diesel buses from
Most of the value came from Japan (37%), India (18%), Tanzania (14%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+480% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $9.0M | 37% |
| India | $4.3M | 18% |
| Tanzania | $3.5M | 14% |
| South Africa | $3.3M | 14% |
| China | $2.4M | 10% |
| Hong Kong | $796K | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $316K | 1.3% |
| Thailand | $174K | 0.7% |
| Brazil | $121K | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $87K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.44 per kg, 49% below the world average of $10.74, 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.
Diesel buses exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $372 thousand of diesel buses in 2024 (66 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $189K | 51% |
| DR Congo | $141K | 38% |
| Mozambique | $37K | 10% |
| South Africa | $6K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia diesel buses imports (HS 8702.10): 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 8702.10: Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), new or used.
Common questions
What is the value of diesel buses imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported diesel buses worth $24.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 90th of 206 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply diesel buses to Zambia?
Japan was the largest supplier with 37% of the value ($9.0 million), followed by India (18%) and Tanzania (14%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 480% on the year.
What is the average import price of diesel buses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.44 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $10.74 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of diesel buses to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $14.8 million in 2017 to $24.3 million in 2024, an increase of 64%. The peak was 2021 at $52.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.7 million a year.
Does Zambia also export diesel buses?
Yes. Zambia exported $372 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the DR Congo and Mozambique. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $23.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for diesel buses?
The HS code for diesel buses is subheading 8702.10. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8702 page.
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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