Synthetic dye imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic dye by Zambia reached $4.2 million in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 10% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 5% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $8.4 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 | $4.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $3.8M | 894 t |
| 2022 | $3.6M | 787 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 706 t |
| 2020 | $2.6M | 259 t |
| 2019 | $2.6M | 235 t |
| 2018 | $8.4M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $6.2M | 566 t |
Where Zambia imports synthetic dye from
Most of the value came from South Africa (38%), India (19%), China (14%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+183% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $1.6M | 38% |
| India | $787K | 19% |
| China | $582K | 14% |
| Tanzania | $449K | 11% |
| United Arab Emirates | $255K | 6.1% |
| Kenya | $237K | 5.6% |
| Uganda | $100K | 2.4% |
| Germany | $56K | 1.3% |
| Ireland | $50K | 1.2% |
| Turkey | $43K | 1% |
Product types under HS 3204
| 3204.17 | Synthetic pigments | 40% |
| 3204.11 | Disperse dyes | 17% |
| 3204.19 | Synthetic dyes (other) | 14% |
| 3204.90 | Synthetic organic products (other) | 12% |
| 3204.20 | Fluorescent brightening agents | 10% |
| 3204.12 | Acid dyes and mordant dyes | 3.2% |
| 3204.13 | Basic dyes | 2.7% |
| 3204.14 | Direct dyes | 1.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3204.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.82 per kg, 47% below the world average of $7.25, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia synthetic dye imports (HS 3204): 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 3204: Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic dye imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported synthetic dye worth $4.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 106th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic dye to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by India (19%) and China (14%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 183% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic dye per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.82 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $7.25 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic dye to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.2 million in 2017 to $4.2 million in 2024, a fall of 32%. The peak was 2018 at $8.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic dye?
The HS code for synthetic dye is heading 3204. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3204.17 (40% of the value) and 3204.11 (17%).
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
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