Plastic bottles and carboys imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $9.7 million of plastic bottles and carboys in 2024 (5.3 thousand tonnes). That is 15% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $24.7 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 | $9.7M | 5.3K t |
| 2023 | $8.5M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $24.7M | 5.8K t |
| 2021 | $9.3M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $7.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $5.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $4.7M | 779 t |
Where Zambia imports plastic bottles and carboys from
The largest suppliers were South Africa (41%), Zimbabwe (28%), Tanzania (13%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+374% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.9M | 41% |
| Zimbabwe | $2.7M | 28% |
| Tanzania | $1.3M | 13% |
| Turkey | $634K | 6.5% |
| Kenya | $313K | 3.2% |
| India | $299K | 3.1% |
| China | $188K | 1.9% |
| Mauritius | $167K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $95K | 1% |
| Germany | $51K | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.84 per kg, 52% below the world average of $3.80, 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.
Plastic bottles and carboys exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported plastic bottles and carboys worth $2.0 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). DR Congo alone took 82% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $1.7M | 82% |
| Zimbabwe | $150K | 7.5% |
| Tanzania | $97K | 4.8% |
| Mozambique | $71K | 3.5% |
| Malawi | $24K | 1.2% |
| Italy | $6K | 0.3% |
| Angola | $5K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0% |
| China | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia plastic bottles and carboys imports (HS 3923.30): 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 3923.30: Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic bottles and carboys imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported plastic bottles and carboys worth $9.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 108th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 15% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic bottles and carboys to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Zimbabwe (28%) and Tanzania (13%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 374% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic bottles and carboys per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.84 per kg in 2024, 52% below the world average of $3.80 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of plastic bottles and carboys to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.7 million in 2017 to $9.7 million in 2024, an increase of 105%. The peak was 2022 at $24.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.4 million a year.
Does Zambia also export plastic bottles and carboys?
Yes. Zambia exported $2.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $7.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic bottles and carboys?
The HS code for plastic bottles and carboys is subheading 3923.30. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3923 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.
Same product, other countries
World plastic bottles and carboys trade: top importers and exporters
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