Steel articles imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of steel articles by Zambia reached $44.7 million in 2024 (20.9 thousand tonnes). That is 63% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 9% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $89.3 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 | $44.7M | 20.9K t |
| 2023 | $27.4M | 11.0K t |
| 2022 | $23.1M | 14.6K t |
| 2021 | $12.4M | 5.2K t |
| 2020 | $13.1M | 60.5K t |
| 2019 | $22.2M | 207.7K t |
| 2018 | $85.6M | 118.1K t |
| 2017 | $89.3M | 90.8K t |
Where Zambia imports steel articles from
The largest suppliers were China (45%), Namibia (25%), South Africa (15%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+388% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $20.2M | 45% |
| Namibia | $11.4M | 26% |
| South Africa | $6.7M | 15% |
| India | $1.8M | 4% |
| United States | $758K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $653K | 1.5% |
| Japan | $485K | 1.1% |
| Finland | $429K | 1% |
| Sweden | $246K | 0.6% |
| France | $235K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 7326
| 7326.11 | Forged grinding balls | 64% |
| 7326.90 | Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 | 32% |
| 7326.19 | Forged steel articles | 1.9% |
| 7326.20 | Wire articles | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7326.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.14 per kg, 52% below the world average of $4.42, 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.
Steel articles exports from Zambia
Exports of steel articles by Zambia reached $11.5 million in 2024 (7.7 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 94% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $10.8M | 94% |
| South Africa | $313K | 2.7% |
| South Korea | $285K | 2.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $42K | 0.4% |
| Tanzania | $22K | 0.2% |
| Malawi | $14K | 0.1% |
| Belgium | $13K | 0.1% |
| Angola | $13K | 0.1% |
| Mozambique | $6K | 0.1% |
| Burkina Faso | $4K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia steel articles imports (HS 7326): 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 7326: Iron or steel; articles, n.e.c. in chapter 73.
Common questions
What is the value of steel articles imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported steel articles worth $44.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 20.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 93rd of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 63% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel articles to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 45% of the value ($20.2 million), followed by Namibia (25%) and South Africa (15%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 68 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 507% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.14 per kg in 2024, 52% below the world average of $4.42 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of steel articles to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $89.3 million in 2017 to $44.7 million in 2024, a fall of 50%. The peak was 2017 at $89.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $39.7 million a year.
Does Zambia also export steel articles?
Yes. Zambia exported $11.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, South Africa and South Korea. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $33.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel articles?
The HS code for steel articles is heading 7326. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 7326.11 (64% of the value) and 7326.90 (32%).
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
Steel articles product types in Zambia
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