Public transit buses imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported public transit buses worth $28.5 million (5.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 9% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $58.3 million.
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 | $28.5M | 5.2K t |
| 2023 | $31.3M | 6.2K t |
| 2022 | $26.1M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $58.3M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $16.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $34.3M | 3.0K t |
| 2018 | $21.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2017 | $15.7M | 1.6K t |
Where Zambia imports public transit buses from
The largest suppliers were Japan (41%), South Africa (17%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+480% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $11.6M | 41% |
| South Africa | $4.7M | 17% |
| India | $4.3M | 15% |
| Tanzania | $3.5M | 12% |
| China | $2.5M | 8.9% |
| Hong Kong | $824K | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $369K | 1.3% |
| Thailand | $174K | 0.6% |
| Brazil | $121K | 0.4% |
| United Arab Emirates | $109K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 8702
| 8702.10 | Diesel buses | 85% |
| 8702.90 | Buses (other power types) | 14% |
| 8702.40 | Electric buses | 0.4% |
| 8702.20 | Hybrid diesel-electric buses | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8702.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.43 per kg, 54% below the world average of $11.87, 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.
Public transit buses exports from Zambia
Exports of public transit buses by Zambia reached $418 thousand in 2024 (69 tonnes). Most of it went to Zimbabwe (45%), DR Congo (34%), South Africa (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Zimbabwe grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $189K | 45% |
| DR Congo | $141K | 34% |
| South Africa | $52K | 12% |
| Mozambique | $37K | 8.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia public transit buses imports (HS 8702): 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 8702: Vehicles; public transport passenger type.
Common questions
What is the value of public transit buses imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported public transit buses worth $28.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 98th of 210 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 9% on 2023.
Which countries supply public transit buses to Zambia?
Japan was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($11.6 million), followed by South Africa (17%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 72%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 480% on the year.
What is the average import price of public transit buses per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.43 per kg in 2024, 54% below the world average of $11.87 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of public transit buses to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.7 million in 2017 to $28.5 million in 2024, an increase of 82%. The peak was 2021 at $58.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $29.0 million a year.
Does Zambia also export public transit buses?
Yes. Zambia exported $418 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, the DR Congo and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $28.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for public transit buses?
The HS code for public transit buses is heading 8702. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 8702.10 (85% of the value) and 8702.90 (14%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zambia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World public transit buses trade: top importers and exporters
Public transit buses product types in Zambia
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