Steel chain imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of steel chain by Zambia reached $6.1 million in 2024 (922 tonnes). That is 39% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $6.1M | 922 t |
| 2023 | $4.4M | 765 t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 881 t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 554 t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 483 t |
| 2019 | $4.4M | 674 t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 746 t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 637 t |
Where Zambia imports steel chain from
Most of the value came from South Africa (38%), China (16%), Namibia (12%). Among the main suppliers, Australia grew fastest (+914% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.3M | 38% |
| China | $973K | 16% |
| Namibia | $722K | 12% |
| Mauritius | $608K | 10% |
| Australia | $274K | 4.5% |
| India | $198K | 3.3% |
| Japan | $147K | 2.4% |
| Finland | $146K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $111K | 1.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $110K | 1.8% |
Product types under HS 7315
| 7315.89 | Steel chain (other) | 36% |
| 7315.11 | Roller chain | 22% |
| 7315.12 | Chain: articulated link, (other than roller), of iron or steel | 11% |
| 7315.19 | Chain part | 11% |
| 7315.90 | Chain part (other) | 8.4% |
| 7315.81 | Stud-link chain | 5.1% |
| 7315.20 | Skid chain | 3.1% |
| 7315.82 | Welded link chain | 3.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 7315.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.60 per kg, 45% above the world average of $4.54. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel chain exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported steel chain worth $437 thousand (79 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 81% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+615% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $356K | 82% |
| South Africa | $78K | 18% |
| Zimbabwe | $2K | 0.4% |
| Singapore | $1K | 0.3% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia steel chain imports (HS 7315): 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 7315: Chain and parts thereof, of iron or steel.
Common questions
What is the value of steel chain imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported steel chain worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 922 tonnes. That ranks it 89th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 39% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel chain to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (16%) and Namibia (12%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Australia grew fastest among the top ten, up 914% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel chain per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.60 per kg in 2024, 45% above the world average of $4.54 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of steel chain to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, an increase of 65%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $4.4 million a year.
Does Zambia also export steel chain?
Yes. Zambia exported $437 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, South Africa and Zimbabwe. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel chain?
The HS code for steel chain is heading 7315. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 7315.89 (36% of the value) and 7315.11 (22%).
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
Steel chain product types in Zambia
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