Plastic sheet imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of plastic sheet by Zambia reached $57.9 million in 2024 (21.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 17% on 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 | $57.9M | 21.6K t |
| 2023 | $49.6M | 18.0K t |
| 2022 | $52.5M | 15.1K t |
| 2021 | $45.5M | 14.8K t |
| 2020 | $31.7M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $32.8M | 10.3K t |
| 2018 | $31.8M | 8.7K t |
| 2017 | $22.5M | 5.8K t |
Where Zambia imports plastic sheet from
Most of the value came from India (48%), China (19%), South Africa (17%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $27.6M | 48% |
| China | $11.2M | 19% |
| South Africa | $10.0M | 17% |
| Malawi | $2.5M | 4.2% |
| Kenya | $1.8M | 3.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.4M | 2.4% |
| Tanzania | $810K | 1.4% |
| Australia | $535K | 0.9% |
| Turkey | $382K | 0.7% |
| Indonesia | $245K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 3920
| 3920.63 | Unsaturated polyester film and sheet | 54% |
| 3920.10 | Polyethylene film and sheet | 17% |
| 3920.20 | Polypropylene film and sheet | 14% |
| 3920.69 | Polyester film and sheet (other) | 5% |
| 3920.99 | Plastic film and sheet (other) | 4.2% |
| 3920.49 | Rigid PVC film and sheet | 2.7% |
| 3920.43 | Plasticized PVC film and sheet | 1% |
| 3920.62 | Polyethylene terephthalate film | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3920.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.69 per kg, 22% below the world average of $3.44, 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 sheet exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported plastic sheet worth $1.1 million (441 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $604K | 57% |
| South Africa | $196K | 19% |
| Zimbabwe | $143K | 14% |
| Malawi | $26K | 2.5% |
| Botswana | $18K | 1.8% |
| Mozambique | $16K | 1.5% |
| China | $14K | 1.4% |
| Burkina Faso | $10K | 1% |
| Uganda | $7K | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $6K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia plastic sheet imports (HS 3920): 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 3920: Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 39.
Common questions
What is the value of plastic sheet imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported plastic sheet worth $57.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 21.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 91st of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 17% on 2023.
Which countries supply plastic sheet to Zambia?
India was the largest supplier with 48% of the value ($27.6 million), followed by China (19%) and South Africa (17%). The top three together account for 84%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 300% on the year.
What is the average import price of plastic sheet per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.69 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $3.44 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of plastic sheet to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $22.5 million in 2017 to $57.9 million in 2024, an increase of 157%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $40.5 million a year.
Does Zambia also export plastic sheet?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, South Africa and Zimbabwe. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $56.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for plastic sheet?
The HS code for plastic sheet is heading 3920. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3920.63 (54% of the value) and 3920.10 (17%).
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 sheet product types in Zambia
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