Grinding balls imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of grinding balls by Zambia reached $7.0 million in 2024 (4.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 37% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $21.7 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 | $7.0M | 4.5K t |
| 2023 | $11.2M | 6.0K t |
| 2022 | $5.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $5.0M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $11.6M | 16.0K t |
| 2019 | $6.1M | 5.4K t |
| 2018 | $19.8M | 11.2K t |
| 2017 | $21.7M | 16.5K t |
Where Zambia imports grinding balls from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 72% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.1M | 72% |
| Namibia | $1.2M | 17% |
| Hong Kong | $687K | 9.8% |
| Italy | $41K | 0.6% |
| South Africa | $3K | 0% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.55 per kg, 24% above the world average of $1.25. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Grinding balls exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported grinding balls worth $4.8 million (3.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. DR Congo alone took 96% of it. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+109% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia grinding balls imports (HS 7325.91): 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 7325.91: Iron: grinding balls and similar articles for mills, other than of non-malleable cast iron.
Common questions
What is the value of grinding balls imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported grinding balls worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 26th of 169 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply grinding balls to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 72% of the value ($5.1 million), followed by Namibia (17%) and Hong Kong (10%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 21% on the year.
What is the average import price of grinding balls per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.55 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $1.25 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of grinding balls to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $21.7 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, a fall of 68%. The peak was 2017 at $21.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.0 million a year.
Does Zambia also export grinding balls?
Yes. Zambia exported $4.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for grinding balls?
The HS code for grinding balls is subheading 7325.91. It sits in HS chapter 73 (iron or steel articles). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7325 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.
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