Silicate imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported silicate worth $7.6 million (13.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 45% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% 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 | $7.6M | 13.4K t |
| 2023 | $5.3M | 9.1K t |
| 2022 | $7.3M | 10.4K t |
| 2021 | $5.2M | 10.2K t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 8.9K t |
| 2019 | $2.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2018 | $3.2M | 7.2K t |
| 2017 | $2.8M | 7.0K t |
Where Zambia imports silicate from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 53% of the value. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+134% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $4.0M | 53% |
| China | $1.6M | 21% |
| Tanzania | $1.5M | 20% |
| Saudi Arabia | $166K | 2.2% |
| Egypt | $126K | 1.7% |
| Kenya | $123K | 1.6% |
| India | $19K | 0.3% |
| United States | $2K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2839
| 2839.19 | Sodium silicate (other) | 79% |
| 2839.11 | Sodium metasilicate | 20% |
| 2839.90 | Alkali metal silicates (non-sodium) | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2839.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.57 per kg, close to the world average of $0.53.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Silicate exports from Zambia
Exports of silicate by Zambia reached $478 thousand in 2024 (843 tonnes). Zimbabwe alone took 87% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+913% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $414K | 87% |
| Malawi | $38K | 7.9% |
| Tanzania | $20K | 4.3% |
| DR Congo | $6K | 1.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia silicate imports (HS 2839): 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 2839: Silicates; commercial alkali metal silicates.
Common questions
What is the value of silicate imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported silicate worth $7.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 32nd of 190 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply silicate to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 53% of the value ($4.0 million), followed by China (21%) and Tanzania (20%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 8 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 219% on the year.
What is the average import price of silicate per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.57 per kg in 2024, 8% above the world average of $0.53 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of silicate to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.8 million in 2017 to $7.6 million in 2024, an increase of 172%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.7 million a year.
Does Zambia also export silicate?
Yes. Zambia exported $478 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $7.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for silicate?
The HS code for silicate is heading 2839. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 2839.19 (79% of the value) and 2839.11 (20%).
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
Silicate product types in Zambia
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