Magnesite imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $27.4 million of magnesite in 2024 (23.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 8% 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 | $27.4M | 23.2K t |
| 2023 | $29.8M | 23.1K t |
| 2022 | $10.6M | 7.5K t |
| 2021 | $6.0M | 6.3K t |
| 2020 | $14.7M | 20.9K t |
| 2019 | $8.5M | 10.7K t |
| 2018 | $15.9M | 18.6K t |
| 2017 | $20.6M | 24.6K t |
Where Zambia imports magnesite from
Most of the value came from United States (26%), Namibia (21%), Australia (18%). Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+206% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $7.2M | 26% |
| Namibia | $5.8M | 21% |
| Australia | $5.1M | 19% |
| Mauritius | $3.5M | 13% |
| China | $2.4M | 8.6% |
| Greece | $1.4M | 5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.2M | 4.3% |
| South Africa | $703K | 2.6% |
| Spain | $288K | 1.1% |
| DR Congo | $44K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 2519
| 2519.90 | Magnesia, fused or dead-burned (sintered): whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering, other magnesium oxide… | 99% |
| 2519.10 | Magnesium carbonate (magnesite): natural | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2519.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.18 per kg, 281% above the world average of $0.31. 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.
Magnesite exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported magnesite worth $6.7 million (6.1 thousand tonnes). DR Congo alone took 96% of it. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+89% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $6.4M | 96% |
| South Africa | $266K | 4% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia magnesite imports (HS 2519): 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 2519: Natural magnesium carbonate (magnesite); fused magnesia; dead-burned (sintered) magnesia, whether or not containing small quantities of other oxides added before sintering; magnesium oxide, pure or not.
Common questions
What is the value of magnesite imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported magnesite worth $27.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 21st of 167 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply magnesite to Zambia?
The United States was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($7.2 million), followed by Namibia (21%) and Australia (18%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 206% on the year.
What is the average import price of magnesite per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.18 per kg in 2024, 281% above the world average of $0.31 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of magnesite to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $20.6 million in 2017 to $27.4 million in 2024, an increase of 33%. The peak was 2023 at $29.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $16.7 million a year.
Does Zambia also export magnesite?
Yes. Zambia exported $6.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $20.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for magnesite?
The HS code for magnesite is heading 2519. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 2519.90 (99% of the value) and 2519.10 (1%).
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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