Metal ore exports from Zambia: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Zambia exported metal ore worth $8.6 million (5.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 600% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 67% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $8.6M | 5.0K t |
| 2023 | $1.2M | 626 t |
| 2022 | $661K | 505 t |
| 2021 | $146K | 141 t |
| 2020 | $304K | 248 t |
| 2019 | $141K | 111 t |
| 2018 | $516K | 389 t |
| 2017 | $240K | 223 t |
Where Zambia exports metal ore to
China alone took 100% of it. Among the main buyer markets, China grew fastest (+601% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $8.6M | 100% |
| Ireland | $1K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2617
| 2617.90 | Metal ore (other types) | 100% |
| 2617.10 | Antimony ore | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2617.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.71 per kg, 35% above the world average of $1.27. 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.
Metal ore imports to Zambia
In 2024, Zambia imported metal ore worth $3.3 million (6.2 thousand tonnes). Bulgaria alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, Namibia grew fastest (+402% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | $1.9M | 60% |
| Namibia | $1.3M | 40% |
| DR Congo | $5K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $3K | 0.1% |
| Zimbabwe | $0K | 0% |
| Australia | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia metal ore exports (HS 2617): 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 2617: Ores and concentrates; n.e.c. in heading no. 2601.
Common questions
What is the value of metal ore exported by Zambia?
Zambia exported metal ore worth $8.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 129 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 600% on 2023.
Which countries buy metal ore from Zambia?
China was the largest buyer with 100% of the value ($8.6 million), followed by Ireland (0%) and Canada (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 4 buyer countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 601% on the year.
What is the average export price of metal ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.71 per kg in 2024, 35% above the world average of $1.27 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of metal ore from Zambia changed since 2017?
Exports went from $240 thousand in 2017 to $8.6 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $1.5 million a year.
Does Zambia also import metal ore?
Yes. Zambia imported $3.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Bulgaria, Namibia and the DR Congo. On balance Zambia is a net exporter of this product, by about $5.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal ore?
The HS code for metal ore is heading 2617. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2617.90. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2617 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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