Plastic film imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic film by Zambia reached $8.1 million in 2024 (3.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 52% on 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $8.1M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 2.4K t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $7.3M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $3.5M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $4.9M | 1.6K t |
| 2018 | $5.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 1.3K t |
Where Zambia imports plastic film from
Most of the value came from India (27%), South Africa (25%), China (15%). Among the main suppliers, Botswana grew fastest (+512% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.2M | 27% |
| South Africa | $2.0M | 25% |
| China | $1.2M | 15% |
| Tanzania | $1.1M | 14% |
| Botswana | $420K | 5.2% |
| Kenya | $417K | 5.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $146K | 1.8% |
| France | $97K | 1.2% |
| Spain | $94K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $69K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 3921
| 3921.90 | Non-cellular plastic film | 70% |
| 3921.12 | Cellular PVC foam sheet | 16% |
| 3921.19 | Cellular plastic film | 5.2% |
| 3921.13 | Polyurethane foam sheet | 4.6% |
| 3921.11 | Expanded polystyrene film and sheet | 4.4% |
| 3921.14 | Cellophane film (cellular) | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3921.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.68 per kg, 44% below the world average of $4.76, 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 film exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported plastic film worth $510 thousand (186 tonnes). Malawi alone took 92% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Malawi | $471K | 93% |
| DR Congo | $37K | 7.3% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia plastic film imports (HS 3921): 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 3921: Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 39.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic film imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported plastic film worth $8.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 122nd of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 52% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic film to Zambia?
India was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by South Africa (25%) and China (15%). The top three together account for 67%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. Botswana grew fastest among the top ten, up 512% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic film per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.68 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $4.76 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 film to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $8.1 million in 2024, an increase of 61%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.9 million a year.
Does Zambia also export plastic film?
Yes. Zambia exported $510 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Malawi, the DR Congo and Zimbabwe. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $7.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic film?
The HS code for plastic film is heading 3921. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3921.90 (70% of the value) and 3921.12 (16%).
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
Plastic film product types in Zambia
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