Paint thinner imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $4.0 million of paint thinner in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). That is 5% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average.
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 | $4.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $3.8M | 3.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 3.4K t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 755 t |
| 2019 | $2.0M | 733 t |
| 2018 | $1.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $1.6M | 1.1K t |
Where Zambia imports paint thinner from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 79% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.2M | 79% |
| China | $345K | 8.6% |
| Egypt | $198K | 4.9% |
| Tanzania | $84K | 2.1% |
| India | $62K | 1.5% |
| Netherlands | $49K | 1.2% |
| Belgium | $20K | 0.5% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 0.5% |
| Canada | $16K | 0.4% |
| Germany | $15K | 0.4% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.33 per kg, 45% below the world average of $2.40, 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.
Paint thinner exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported paint thinner worth $881 thousand (456 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 96% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+54% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $844K | 96% |
| DR Congo | $31K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $6K | 0.7% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia paint thinner imports (HS 3814): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3814: Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included; prepared paint or varnish removers.
Common questions
What is the value of paint thinner imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported paint thinner worth $4.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 95th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply paint thinner to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 79% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by China (9%) and Egypt (5%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 455% on the year.
What is the average import price of paint thinner per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.33 per kg in 2024, 45% below the world average of $2.40 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of paint thinner to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.6 million in 2017 to $4.0 million in 2024, an increase of 156%. The peak was 2022 at $4.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.8 million a year.
Does Zambia also export paint thinner?
Yes. Zambia exported $881 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the DR Congo and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for paint thinner?
The HS code for paint thinner is heading 3814. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3814.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3814 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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