Synthetic staple fibre imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported synthetic staple fibre worth $5.0 million (5.6 thousand tonnes). That is 19% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 57% 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 | $5.0M | 5.6K t |
| 2023 | $4.3M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $3.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $1.6M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $613K | 474 t |
| 2019 | $754K | 465 t |
| 2018 | $1.0M | 442 t |
| 2017 | $216K | 113 t |
Where Zambia imports synthetic staple fibre from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 71% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+110% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.6M | 71% |
| China | $804K | 16% |
| Tanzania | $599K | 12% |
| Hong Kong | $25K | 0.5% |
| Belgium | $16K | 0.3% |
| Slovenia | $7K | 0.1% |
| India | $3K | 0.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $0K | 0% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Mozambique | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5503
| 5503.20 | Polyester staple fiber | 98% |
| 5503.90 | Synthetic staple fiber (other) | 1% |
| 5503.40 | Polypropylene staple fiber | 0.7% |
| 5503.30 | Acrylic staple fiber | 0.1% |
| 5503.19 | Nylon staple fiber | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5503.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.91 per kg, 40% below the world average of $1.51, 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 staple fibre imports (HS 5503): 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 5503: Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple fibre imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported synthetic staple fibre worth $5.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 83rd of 200 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic staple fibre to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 71% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by China (16%) and Tanzania (12%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 110% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic staple fibre per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.91 per kg in 2024, 40% below the world average of $1.51 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic staple fibre to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $216 thousand in 2017 to $5.0 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple fibre?
The HS code for synthetic staple fibre is heading 5503. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 5503.20 (98% of the value) and 5503.90 (1%).
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 synthetic staple fibre trade: top importers and exporters
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