Synthetic tow imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic tow by Zambia reached $12.9 million in 2024 (4.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 6% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% 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 | $12.9M | 4.3K t |
| 2023 | $13.7M | 4.6K t |
| 2022 | $10.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2021 | $9.3M | 4.1K t |
| 2020 | $7.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $7.9M | 2.7K t |
| 2018 | $7.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 2.9K t |
Where Zambia imports synthetic tow from
Most of the value came from South Korea (38%), South Africa (29%), United Arab Emirates (19%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $5.0M | 38% |
| South Africa | $3.7M | 29% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.4M | 19% |
| China | $918K | 7.1% |
| Portugal | $266K | 2.1% |
| Malaysia | $245K | 1.9% |
| Japan | $190K | 1.5% |
| Thailand | $127K | 1% |
| India | $69K | 0.5% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.30 | Acrylic filament tow | 90% |
| 5501.20 | Polyester filament tow | 4.2% |
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow (other) | 4.2% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 1.7% |
| 5501.10 | Nylon filament tow | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.99 per kg, close to the world average of $3.14.
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 tow imports (HS 5501): 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported synthetic tow worth $12.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 167 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to Zambia?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($5.0 million), followed by South Africa (29%) and the United Arab Emirates (19%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 26% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.99 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $3.14 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 tow to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $12.9 million in 2024, an increase of 104%. The peak was 2023 at $13.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 5501.30 (90% of the value) and 5501.20 (4%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for Zambia. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
Synthetic tow product types in Zambia
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