Polyethylene imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported polyethylene worth $134.0 million (91.4 thousand tonnes). That is 16% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 19% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $134.0M | 91.4K t |
| 2023 | $115.3M | 80.7K t |
| 2022 | $119.0M | 66.3K t |
| 2021 | $90.4M | 61.4K t |
| 2020 | $61.0M | 49.2K t |
| 2019 | $55.8M | 42.4K t |
| 2018 | $55.3M | 34.6K t |
| 2017 | $40.1M | 29.0K t |
Where Zambia imports polyethylene from
The largest suppliers were South Africa (29%), China (27%), Oman (10%). Among the main suppliers, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $38.7M | 29% |
| China | $36.2M | 27% |
| Oman | $13.9M | 10% |
| United Arab Emirates | $12.8M | 9.5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $10.8M | 8.1% |
| South Korea | $4.1M | 3% |
| United States | $3.8M | 2.8% |
| India | $3.5M | 2.6% |
| Thailand | $3.3M | 2.4% |
| Mauritius | $2.5M | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 56% |
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 30% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 10% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer | 2.3% |
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 1.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.47 per kg, 20% above the world average of $1.22. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $1.4 million of polyethylene in 2024 (968 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Republic of the Congo accounted for 71% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | $1.0M | 71% |
| DR Congo | $329K | 23% |
| South Africa | $77K | 5.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $7K | 0.5% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.3% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia polyethylene imports (HS 3901): 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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported polyethylene worth $134.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 91.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 75th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($38.7 million), followed by China (27%) and Oman (10%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 116% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.47 per kg in 2024, 20% above the world average of $1.22 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polyethylene to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $40.1 million in 2017 to $134.0 million in 2024, an increase of 234%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $83.9 million a year.
Does Zambia also export polyethylene?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the Republic of the Congo, the DR Congo and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $132.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3901.20 (56% of the value) and 3901.10 (30%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Zambia. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in Zambia
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