Surveying instruments imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported surveying instruments worth $6.1 million (62 tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average.
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 | 62 t |
| 2023 | $6.3M | 116 t |
| 2022 | $2.7M | 31 t |
| 2021 | $2.6M | 25 t |
| 2020 | $2.5M | 10 t |
| 2019 | $2.8M | 11 t |
| 2018 | $3.3M | 18 t |
| 2017 | $1.7M | 10 t |
Where Zambia imports surveying instruments from
Most of the value came from South Africa (31%), Mauritius (9%), China (8%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 48%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $1.9M | 31% |
| Mauritius | $565K | 9.2% |
| China | $475K | 7.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $434K | 7.1% |
| United States | $379K | 6.2% |
| Namibia | $326K | 5.3% |
| Australia | $290K | 4.7% |
| Italy | $275K | 4.5% |
| Spain | $191K | 3.1% |
| Switzerland | $181K | 3% |
Product types under HS 9015
| 9015.80 | Surveying instruments (other) | 69% |
| 9015.90 | Surveying instrument parts | 14% |
| 9015.40 | Photogrammetry equipment | 6.7% |
| 9015.20 | Theodolites | 6.1% |
| 9015.30 | Spirit levels and transit levels | 3.2% |
| 9015.10 | Rangefinders | 1.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9015.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $99.40 per kg, close to the world average of $104.45.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Surveying instruments exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $1.2 million of surveying instruments in 2024 (6 tonnes). Most of it went to South Africa (49%), United States (34%), Canada (5%). Among the main buyer markets, South Africa grew fastest (+324% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $570K | 49% |
| United States | $392K | 34% |
| Canada | $58K | 5% |
| Australia | $47K | 4% |
| United Kingdom | $39K | 3.4% |
| France | $27K | 2.3% |
| Botswana | $10K | 0.9% |
| DR Congo | $9K | 0.8% |
| Finland | $8K | 0.7% |
| Luxembourg | $2K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia surveying instruments imports (HS 9015): 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 9015: Surveying (including photogrammetrical surveying), hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological, meteorological or geophysical instruments and appliances, excluding compasses, rangefinders.
Common questions
What is the value of surveying instruments imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported surveying instruments worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 62 tonnes. That ranks it 100th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply surveying instruments to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Mauritius (9%) and China (8%). The top three together account for 48%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 265% on the year.
What is the average import price of surveying instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $99.40 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $104.45 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of surveying instruments to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.7 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, an increase of 260%. The peak was 2023 at $6.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.5 million a year.
Does Zambia also export surveying instruments?
Yes. Zambia exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to South Africa, the United States and Canada. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for surveying instruments?
The HS code for surveying instruments is heading 9015. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 9015.80 (69% of the value) and 9015.90 (14%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
For Zambia, EximDataX reads the shipment records of the countries that trade with it and shows the companies on both sides. We can walk you through your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World surveying instruments trade: top importers and exporters
Surveying instruments product types in Zambia
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