Nickel ore exports from Zambia: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of nickel ore by Zambia reached $624.0 million in 2024 (226.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 2nd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 59 countries. That is 217% more than in 2023. Over 2018-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 881% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $624.0M | 226.1K t |
| 2023 | $197.1M | 76.2K t |
| 2022 | $229.2M | 71.2K t |
| 2021 | $123.6M | 53.9K t |
| 2020 | $65.5M | 44.6K t |
| 2019 | $19.5M | 13.6K t |
| 2018 | $1K | - |
Where Zambia exports nickel ore to
Most of it went to Namibia (38%), Canada (25%), China (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Namibia grew fastest (+422% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Namibia | $238.6M | 38% |
| Canada | $156.3M | 25% |
| China | $102.1M | 16% |
| Switzerland | $68.0M | 11% |
| Finland | $59.0M | 9.5% |
| Netherlands | $3K | 0% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0% |
| United States | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.76 per kg, 2967% above the world average of $0.09. 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia nickel ore exports (HS 2604): 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 2604: Nickel ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of nickel ore exported by Zambia?
Zambia exported nickel ore worth $624.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 226.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 2nd of 59 countries worldwide, with 13% of world exports. The value was up 217% on 2023.
Which countries buy nickel ore from Zambia?
Namibia was the largest buyer with 38% of the value ($238.6 million), followed by Canada (25%) and China (16%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 8 buyer countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 422% on the year.
What is the average export price of nickel ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.76 per kg in 2024, 2967% above the world average of $0.09 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of nickel ore from Zambia changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1 thousand in 2018 to $624.0 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 7 years the average was $179.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for nickel ore?
The HS code for nickel ore is heading 2604. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2604.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2604 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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