Railway freight cars imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported railway freight cars worth $2.6 million (956 tonnes). Value fell 51% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $5.4 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 | $2.6M | 956 t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $3K | 1 t |
| 2021 | $286K | 137 t |
| 2020 | $753K | 219 t |
| 2019 | $923K | 328 t |
| 2018 | $4.8M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $719K | 245 t |
Where Zambia imports railway freight cars from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 99% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.6M | 99% |
| China | $23K | 0.9% |
| Zimbabwe | $8K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 8606
| 8606.99 | Freight cars (other types) | 100% |
| 8606.10 | Tank wagons | 0.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8606.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.77 per kg, 43% below the world average of $4.88, 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.
Railway freight cars exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported railway freight cars worth $2.5 million (1.0 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 100% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.5M | 100% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia railway freight cars imports (HS 8606): 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 8606: Railway or tramway goods vans and wagons; not self-propelled.
Common questions
What is the value of railway freight cars imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported railway freight cars worth $2.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 956 tonnes. That ranks it 56th of 135 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 51% on 2023.
Which countries supply railway freight cars to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by China (1%) and Zimbabwe (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 3 supplier countries in total.
What is the average import price of railway freight cars per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.77 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $4.88 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of railway freight cars to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $719 thousand in 2017 to $2.6 million in 2024, an increase of 268%. The peak was 2023 at $5.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
Does Zambia also export railway freight cars?
Yes. Zambia exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo. That compares with imports of $2.6 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for railway freight cars?
The HS code for railway freight cars is heading 8606. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 8606.99 (100% of the value) and 8606.10 (0%).
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
World railway freight cars trade: top importers and exporters
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