Sugar exports from Zambia: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Zambia exported sugar worth $71.7 million (88.3 thousand tonnes). Value fell 45% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 7% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $132.9 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $71.7M | 88.3K t |
| 2023 | $131.4M | 170.8K t |
| 2022 | $77.1M | 111.6K t |
| 2021 | $88.6M | 149.2K t |
| 2020 | $93.0M | 176.0K t |
| 2019 | $127.1M | 222.8K t |
| 2018 | $132.9M | 198.6K t |
| 2017 | $121.6M | 161.3K t |
Where Zambia exports sugar to
One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 95% of the value.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $68.0M | 95% |
| Zimbabwe | $3.2M | 4.4% |
| Burundi | $433K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $51K | 0.1% |
| Rwanda | $22K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $4K | 0% |
| Botswana | $2K | 0% |
| Belgium | $2K | 0% |
| Italy | $1K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1701
| 1701.14 | Other raw cane sugar | 82% |
| 1701.13 | Centrifugal cane sugar | 16% |
| 1701.99 | Pure sucrose | 2.1% |
| 1701.91 | Flavoured sucrose | 0% |
| 1701.12 | Raw beet sugar | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1701.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.81 per kg, 37% above the world average of $0.59. 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.
Sugar imports to Zambia
Imports of sugar by Zambia reached $5.2 million in 2024 (8.1 thousand tonnes). Most of the value came from Egypt (42%), Saudi Arabia (31%), Zimbabwe (22%). Among the main suppliers, Zimbabwe grew fastest (+91% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $2.2M | 42% |
| Saudi Arabia | $1.6M | 31% |
| Zimbabwe | $1.2M | 22% |
| South Africa | $208K | 4% |
| Kenya | $53K | 1% |
| India | $10K | 0.2% |
| Lebanon | $6K | 0.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $5K | 0.1% |
| Greece | $2K | 0% |
| China | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia sugar exports (HS 1701): 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 1701: Cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form.
Common questions
What is the value of sugar exported by Zambia?
Zambia exported sugar worth $71.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 88.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 49th of 169 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 45% on 2023.
Which countries buy sugar from Zambia?
The DR Congo was the largest buyer with 95% of the value ($68.0 million), followed by Zimbabwe (4%) and Burundi (1%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 10 buyer countries in total. Malawi grew fastest among the top ten, up 999% on the year.
What is the average export price of sugar per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.81 per kg in 2024, 37% above the world average of $0.59 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of sugar from Zambia changed since 2017?
Exports went from $121.6 million in 2017 to $71.7 million in 2024, a fall of 41%. The peak was 2018 at $132.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $105.4 million a year.
Does Zambia also import sugar?
Yes. Zambia imported $5.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Zimbabwe. On balance Zambia is a net exporter of this product, by about $66.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for sugar?
The HS code for sugar is heading 1701. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 1701.14 (82% of the value) and 1701.13 (16%).
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
Sugar product types in Zambia
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