Water-based paint imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported water-based paint worth $3.5 million (2.2 thousand tonnes). That is 10% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $3.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $3.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 1.5K t |
| 2018 | $4.1M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 1.4K t |
Where Zambia imports water-based paint from
South Africa alone supplied 87% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.0M | 87% |
| China | $191K | 5.5% |
| Zimbabwe | $56K | 1.6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $51K | 1.5% |
| Tanzania | $42K | 1.2% |
| France | $33K | 0.9% |
| Germany | $26K | 0.8% |
| Egypt | $21K | 0.6% |
| Botswana | $20K | 0.6% |
| India | $8K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 3209
| 3209.10 | Acrylic water-based paint | 72% |
| 3209.90 | Water-based polymer paint | 28% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3209.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.60 per kg, 48% below the world average of $3.08, 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.
Water-based paint exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported water-based paint worth $365 thousand (311 tonnes). DR Congo alone took 69% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Malawi grew fastest (+81% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $253K | 69% |
| Malawi | $82K | 23% |
| Zimbabwe | $29K | 7.8% |
| United States | $2K | 0.4% |
| Namibia | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia water-based paint imports (HS 3209): 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 3209: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based paint imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported water-based paint worth $3.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 130th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 10% on 2023.
Which countries supply water-based paint to Zambia?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 87% of the value ($3.0 million), followed by China (6%) and Zimbabwe (2%). The top three together account for 94%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. Tanzania grew fastest among the top ten, up 79% on the year.
What is the average import price of water-based paint per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024, 48% below the world average of $3.08 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of water-based paint to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $3.5 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2018 at $4.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does Zambia also export water-based paint?
Yes. Zambia exported $365 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Malawi and Zimbabwe. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based paint?
The HS code for water-based paint is heading 3209. In Zambia the largest six-digit codes were 3209.10 (72% of the value) and 3209.90 (28%).
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
Water-based paint product types in Zambia
More trade data for Zambia
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