Metal polish imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of metal polish by Zambia reached $4.0 million in 2024 (938 tonnes). Value rose 179% on 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 | $4.0M | 938 t |
| 2023 | $1.4M | 644 t |
| 2022 | $1.6M | 709 t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 795 t |
| 2020 | $1.3M | 405 t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 287 t |
| 2018 | $2.5M | 598 t |
| 2017 | $2.2M | 340 t |
Where Zambia imports metal polish from
South Africa alone supplied 98% of it. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+189% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.9M | 98% |
| Kenya | $28K | 0.7% |
| China | $22K | 0.5% |
| France | $19K | 0.5% |
| Egypt | $7K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $7K | 0.2% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $2K | 0% |
| United States | $1K | 0% |
| India | $1K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.25 per kg, 28% below the world average of $5.90, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia metal polish imports (HS 3405.90): 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 3405.90: Polishes, creams and similar preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3405, excluding waxes of heading no. 3404.
Common questions
What is the value of metal polish imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported metal polish worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 938 tonnes. That ranks it 39th of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 179% on 2023.
Which countries supply metal polish to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 98% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Kenya (1%) and China (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 189% on the year.
What is the average import price of metal polish per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.25 per kg in 2024, 28% below the world average of $5.90 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of metal polish to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.2 million in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 84%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for metal polish?
The HS code for metal polish is subheading 3405.90. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3405 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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