Steel I-sections imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Zambia imported $2.5 million of steel i-sections in 2024 (2.7 thousand tonnes). That is 30% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $3.6 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 | $2.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 4.1K t |
| 2022 | $3.4M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 2.0K t |
| 2020 | $467K | 1.0K t |
| 2019 | $883K | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $918K | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $833K | 703 t |
Where Zambia imports steel i-sections from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+229% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.3M | 52% |
| South Africa | $1.2M | 46% |
| Hong Kong | $38K | 1.5% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0.2% |
| India | $4K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.93 per kg, close to the world average of $0.82.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel I-sections exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $469 thousand of steel i-sections in 2024 (494 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 86% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+71% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $402K | 86% |
| Malawi | $46K | 9.7% |
| South Africa | $22K | 4.7% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia steel i-sections imports (HS 7216.32): 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 7216.32: Iron or non-alloy steel: I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Common questions
What is the value of steel i-sections imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported steel i-sections worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 106th of 199 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 30% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel i-sections to Zambia?
China was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by South Africa (46%) and Hong Kong (2%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 5 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 229% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel i-sections per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.93 per kg in 2024, 13% above the world average of $0.82 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of steel i-sections to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $833 thousand in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024, an increase of 204%. The peak was 2023 at $3.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.8 million a year.
Does Zambia also export steel i-sections?
Yes. Zambia exported $469 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Malawi and South Africa. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel i-sections?
The HS code for steel i-sections is subheading 7216.32. It sits in HS chapter 72 (iron and steel). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 7216 page.
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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.