Solvent-based paint imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of solvent-based paint by Zambia reached $6.9 million in 2024 (2.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 27% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 8% 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 | $6.9M | 2.5K t |
| 2023 | $5.4M | 2.6K t |
| 2022 | $5.8M | 2.0K t |
| 2021 | $4.3M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 707 t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.9M | 1.0K t |
| 2017 | $4.0M | 1.0K t |
Where Zambia imports solvent-based paint from
South Africa alone supplied 85% of it. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $5.9M | 85% |
| Egypt | $220K | 3.2% |
| Kenya | $201K | 2.9% |
| China | $197K | 2.9% |
| India | $101K | 1.5% |
| Italy | $70K | 1% |
| Zimbabwe | $47K | 0.7% |
| Tanzania | $36K | 0.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $24K | 0.4% |
| United States | $19K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 3208
| 3208.20 | Acrylic solvent paint | 57% |
| 3208.90 | Polymer solvent paint | 37% |
| 3208.10 | Polyester solvent paint | 6.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3208.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.72 per kg, 53% below the world average of $5.76, 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.
Solvent-based paint exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported solvent-based paint worth $1.4 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 93% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $1.3M | 93% |
| United States | $46K | 3.3% |
| Malawi | $38K | 2.7% |
| Nigeria | $4K | 0.3% |
| Tanzania | $3K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $3K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $1K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia solvent-based paint imports (HS 3208): 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 3208: Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of solvent-based paint imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported solvent-based paint worth $6.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 130th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply solvent-based paint to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($5.9 million), followed by Egypt (3%) and Kenya (3%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 377% on the year.
What is the average import price of solvent-based paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.72 per kg in 2024, 53% below the world average of $5.76 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of solvent-based paint to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.0 million in 2017 to $6.9 million in 2024, an increase of 74%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.6 million a year.
Does Zambia also export solvent-based paint?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, the United States and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for solvent-based paint?
The HS code for solvent-based paint is heading 3208. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3208.20 (57% of the value) and 3208.90 (37%).
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 solvent-based paint trade: top importers and exporters
Solvent-based paint product types in Zambia
More trade data for Zambia
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