Milled rice imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $6.6 million of milled rice in 2024 (16.1 thousand tonnes). That is 23% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $18.5 million.
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 | $6.6M | 16.1K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 14.9K t |
| 2022 | $7.1M | 9.0K t |
| 2021 | $12.1M | 17.5K t |
| 2020 | $18.5M | 18.5K t |
| 2019 | $16.6M | 16.9K t |
| 2018 | $7.5M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $2.0M | 2.6K t |
Where Zambia imports milled rice from
The largest suppliers were South Africa (34%), India (26%), Tanzania (23%). Among the main suppliers, Thailand grew fastest (+323% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.2M | 34% |
| India | $1.7M | 26% |
| Tanzania | $1.5M | 23% |
| Thailand | $832K | 13% |
| Pakistan | $158K | 2.4% |
| China | $52K | 0.8% |
| Burundi | $50K | 0.8% |
| Malawi | $20K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $17K | 0.3% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.41 per kg, 42% below the world average of $0.71, 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.
Milled rice exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported milled rice worth $1.1 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 94% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $1.1M | 94% |
| Zimbabwe | $60K | 5.2% |
| Australia | $4K | 0.3% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.1% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0.1% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia milled rice imports (HS 1006.30): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
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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 1006.30: Cereals: rice, semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed.
Common questions
What is the value of milled rice imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported milled rice worth $6.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 154th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply milled rice to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 34% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by India (26%) and Tanzania (23%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Thailand grew fastest among the top ten, up 323% on the year.
What is the average import price of milled rice per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.41 per kg in 2024, 42% below the world average of $0.71 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of milled rice to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.0 million in 2017 to $6.6 million in 2024, an increase of 235%. The peak was 2020 at $18.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.5 million a year.
Does Zambia also export milled rice?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Australia. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for milled rice?
The HS code for milled rice is subheading 1006.30. It sits in HS chapter 10 (cereals). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1006 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds Zambia trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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