Infant formula imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported infant formula worth $10.5 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $10.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $11.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $8.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $8.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $6.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $5.9M | 980 t |
Where Zambia imports infant formula from
South Africa alone supplied 91% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $9.6M | 91% |
| Denmark | $611K | 5.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $224K | 2.1% |
| France | $76K | 0.7% |
| China | $3K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
| Poland | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.45 per kg, 25% below the world average of $8.59, 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.
Infant formula exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $505 thousand of infant formula in 2024 (97 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 72% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+123% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $365K | 72% |
| Zimbabwe | $133K | 26% |
| Malawi | $5K | 1% |
| Australia | $2K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia infant formula imports (HS 1901.10): 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 1901.10: Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of infant formula imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported infant formula worth $10.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 103rd of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply infant formula to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 91% of the value ($9.6 million), followed by Denmark (6%) and Zimbabwe (2%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 8 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 852% on the year.
What is the average import price of infant formula per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.45 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $8.59 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of infant formula to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.9 million in 2017 to $10.5 million in 2024, an increase of 80%. The peak was 2023 at $11.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.0 million a year.
Does Zambia also export infant formula?
Yes. Zambia exported $505 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $10.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for infant formula?
The HS code for infant formula is subheading 1901.10. It sits in HS chapter 19 (preparations of cereals, flour, starch or milk; pastrycooks' products). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1901 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.
Same product, other countries
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