Steel U-sections imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of steel u-sections by Zambia reached $4.4 million in 2024 (6.2 thousand tonnes). That is 45% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $10.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $4.4M | 6.2K t |
| 2023 | $8.0M | 7.9K t |
| 2022 | $10.4M | 9.0K t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 7.1K t |
| 2020 | $4.8M | 7.1K t |
| 2019 | $6.0M | 11.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.8M | 9.9K t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 2.1K t |
Where Zambia imports steel u-sections from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 69% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+248% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.0M | 69% |
| China | $1.3M | 31% |
| India | $14K | 0.3% |
| Mauritius | $8K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
| Hong Kong | $0K | 0% |
| Uzbekistan | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.71 per kg, close to the world average of $0.78.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Steel U-sections exports from Zambia
Exports of steel u-sections by Zambia reached $1.6 million in 2024 (1.8 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 56% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+69% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $897K | 56% |
| Zimbabwe | $412K | 26% |
| Malawi | $243K | 15% |
| Mozambique | $37K | 2.3% |
| South Africa | $10K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia steel u-sections imports (HS 7216.31): 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 7216.31: Iron or non-alloy steel: U sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or more.
Common questions
What is the value of steel u-sections imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported steel u-sections worth $4.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 66th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply steel u-sections to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 69% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by China (31%) and India (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 248% on the year.
What is the average import price of steel u-sections per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.71 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $0.78 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of steel u-sections to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $4.4 million in 2024, an increase of 151%. The peak was 2022 at $10.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.1 million a year.
Does Zambia also export steel u-sections?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Malawi. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $2.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for steel u-sections?
The HS code for steel u-sections is subheading 7216.31. 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?
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