Forklift imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported forklift worth $12.7 million (2.9 thousand tonnes). That is 12% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $12.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2023 | $14.4M | 3.0K t |
| 2022 | $6.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $5.4M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $11.8M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $11.9M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $9.2M | 2.0K t |
Where Zambia imports forklift from
The largest suppliers were South Africa (43%), China (29%), Japan (8%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $5.5M | 43% |
| China | $3.7M | 29% |
| Japan | $957K | 7.6% |
| Germany | $809K | 6.4% |
| India | $533K | 4.2% |
| Malaysia | $303K | 2.4% |
| United States | $295K | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $177K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $109K | 0.9% |
| Belgium | $108K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 8427
| 8427.20 | Forklifts (internal combustion) | 43% |
| 8427.90 | Manual and towed forklifts | 39% |
| 8427.10 | Electric forklifts | 18% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8427.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.34 per kg, 29% below the world average of $6.11, 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.
Forklift exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $291 thousand of forklift in 2024 (176 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Namibia (48%), DR Congo (21%), South Africa (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $141K | 48% |
| DR Congo | $63K | 21% |
| South Africa | $33K | 11% |
| Angola | $31K | 11% |
| China | $10K | 3.5% |
| Tanzania | $8K | 2.7% |
| Malawi | $3K | 1.1% |
| Mauritius | $3K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia forklift imports (HS 8427): 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 8427: Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment.
Common questions
What is the value of forklift imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported forklift worth $12.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 101st of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply forklift to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($5.5 million), followed by China (29%) and Japan (8%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 607% on the year.
What is the average import price of forklift per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.34 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $6.11 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of forklift to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.2 million in 2017 to $12.7 million in 2024, an increase of 37%. The peak was 2023 at $14.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.0 million a year.
Does Zambia also export forklift?
Yes. Zambia exported $291 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Namibia, the DR Congo and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $12.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for forklift?
The HS code for forklift is heading 8427. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 8427.20 (43% of the value) and 8427.90 (39%).
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
Forklift product types in Zambia
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