Pigment imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported pigment worth $7.0 million (2.6 thousand tonnes). That is 17% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $7.0M | 2.6K t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 2.8K t |
| 2022 | $5.9M | 2.3K t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 2.5K t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 1.0K t |
Where Zambia imports pigment from
South Africa alone supplied 55% of it. Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+156% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.8M | 55% |
| China | $1.4M | 20% |
| United Arab Emirates | $526K | 7.6% |
| India | $355K | 5.1% |
| Thailand | $237K | 3.4% |
| Vietnam | $149K | 2.1% |
| Ukraine | $148K | 2.1% |
| South Korea | $80K | 1.2% |
| Singapore | $64K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $51K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 3206
| 3206.49 | Pigments and preparations (other) | 60% |
| 3206.11 | Titanium dioxide pigments (high grade) | 19% |
| 3206.50 | Inorganic luminophores | 13% |
| 3206.19 | Titanium dioxide pigments (standard) | 7.1% |
| 3206.20 | Chromium compound pigments | 0.8% |
| 3206.42 | Colouring matter: lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide | 0% |
| 3206.41 | Ultramarine pigments | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3206.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.68 per kg, close to the world average of $3.09.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Pigment exports from Zambia
Exports of pigment by Zambia reached $723 thousand in 2024 (178 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 63% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+172% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $455K | 63% |
| Zimbabwe | $255K | 35% |
| Malawi | $12K | 1.6% |
| China | $1K | 0.2% |
| Luxembourg | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia pigment imports (HS 3206): 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 3206: Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of pigment imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported pigment worth $7.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 97th of 210 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply pigment to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 55% of the value ($3.8 million), followed by China (19%) and the United Arab Emirates (8%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 453% on the year.
What is the average import price of pigment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.68 per kg in 2024, 13% below the world average of $3.09 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of pigment to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $7.0 million in 2024, an increase of 104%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.9 million a year.
Does Zambia also export pigment?
Yes. Zambia exported $723 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $6.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for pigment?
The HS code for pigment is heading 3206. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3206.49 (60% of the value) and 3206.11 (19%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Pigment product types in Zambia
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