Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $14.6 million (7.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 169% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 23% 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 | $14.6M | 7.4K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $6.1M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $5.9M | 2.9K t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $10.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2018 | $6.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 937 t |
Where Zambia imports polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) from
South Africa alone supplied 86% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+261% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $12.6M | 86% |
| China | $1.4M | 9.4% |
| Botswana | $343K | 2.4% |
| Turkey | $152K | 1% |
| Kenya | $60K | 0.4% |
| Spain | $42K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $28K | 0.2% |
| United States | $13K | 0.1% |
| India | $11K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $8K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.96 per kg, 35% below the world average of $3.00, 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.
Polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) exports from Zambia
Exports of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) by Zambia reached $746 thousand in 2024 (329 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 98% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $734K | 98% |
| Malawi | $6K | 0.8% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.4% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imports (HS 3917.21): 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 3917.21: Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) worth $14.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 42nd of 219 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 169% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 86% of the value ($12.6 million), followed by China (9%) and Botswana (2%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 18 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 594% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.96 per kg in 2024, 35% below the world average of $3.00 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $14.6 million in 2024, an increase of 330%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.1 million a year.
Does Zambia also export polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
Yes. Zambia exported $746 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Malawi and Mozambique. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $13.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid)?
The HS code for polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) is subheading 3917.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3917 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.
Same product, other countries
World polyethylene pipes and tubes (rigid) trade: top importers and exporters
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