Polyethylene bags imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyethylene bags by Zambia reached $3.2 million in 2024 (2.0 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $3.2M | 2.0K t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 1.0K t |
| 2022 | $3.1M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $2.5M | 936 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 600 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 788 t |
| 2018 | $2.1M | 632 t |
| 2017 | $1.8M | 547 t |
Where Zambia imports polyethylene bags from
South Africa alone supplied 52% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+280% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $1.6M | 52% |
| China | $660K | 21% |
| Malawi | $395K | 13% |
| India | $186K | 5.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $72K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $37K | 1.2% |
| Mauritius | $35K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $35K | 1.1% |
| Malaysia | $24K | 0.8% |
| Zimbabwe | $23K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.59 per kg, 46% below the world average of $2.93, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia polyethylene bags imports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene bags imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported polyethylene bags worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 138th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene bags to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by China (21%) and Malawi (13%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 280% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.59 per kg in 2024, 46% below the world average of $2.93 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene bags to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.8 million in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024, an increase of 80%. The peak was 2023 at $3.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21. 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?
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.
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