High-density polyethylene imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported high-density polyethylene worth $74.5 million (51.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 10% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% a year on average.
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 | $74.5M | 51.6K t |
| 2023 | $67.9M | 46.6K t |
| 2022 | $58.8M | 34.3K t |
| 2021 | $48.9M | 33.4K t |
| 2020 | $37.0M | 29.4K t |
| 2019 | $27.8M | 21.5K t |
| 2018 | $26.1M | 16.9K t |
| 2017 | $19.6M | 14.7K t |
Where Zambia imports high-density polyethylene from
Most of the value came from China (26%), South Africa (20%), Oman (17%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+106% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $19.3M | 26% |
| South Africa | $14.7M | 20% |
| Oman | $12.8M | 17% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10.7M | 14% |
| Saudi Arabia | $6.0M | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $3.1M | 4.2% |
| Thailand | $2.6M | 3.5% |
| United States | $1.7M | 2.2% |
| Egypt | $1.5M | 2% |
| India | $764K | 1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.44 per kg, 27% above the world average of $1.13. 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.
High-density polyethylene exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $1.1 million of high-density polyethylene in 2024 (711 tonnes). Republic of the Congo alone took 61% of it. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | $656K | 61% |
| DR Congo | $328K | 31% |
| South Africa | $77K | 7.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $7K | 0.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia high-density polyethylene imports (HS 3901.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3901.20: Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
Common questions
What is the value of high-density polyethylene imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported high-density polyethylene worth $74.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 51.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 65th of 202 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply high-density polyethylene to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($19.3 million), followed by South Africa (20%) and Oman (17%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 106% on the year.
What is the average import price of high-density polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.44 per kg in 2024, 27% above the world average of $1.13 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of high-density polyethylene to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.6 million in 2017 to $74.5 million in 2024, an increase of 281%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $45.1 million a year.
Does Zambia also export high-density polyethylene?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Republic of the Congo, the DR Congo and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $73.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for high-density polyethylene?
The HS code for high-density polyethylene is subheading 3901.20. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3901 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 high-density polyethylene trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.