Worn clothing imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported worn clothing worth $17.2 million (11.5 thousand tonnes). That is 68% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $63.9 million.
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 | $17.2M | 11.5K t |
| 2023 | $53.7M | 34.5K t |
| 2022 | $63.9M | 41.1K t |
| 2021 | $27.4M | 20.9K t |
| 2020 | $16.0M | 15.2K t |
| 2019 | $29.6M | 25.7K t |
| 2018 | $23.2M | 17.4K t |
| 2017 | $19.2M | 16.5K t |
Where Zambia imports worn clothing from
The largest suppliers were United Arab Emirates (22%), Pakistan (18%), Switzerland (10%). Among the main suppliers, Canada grew fastest (+46% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $3.9M | 23% |
| Pakistan | $3.1M | 18% |
| Switzerland | $1.7M | 9.9% |
| India | $1.5M | 8.7% |
| Lithuania | $1.2M | 7% |
| China | $1.1M | 6.5% |
| United States | $953K | 5.5% |
| Poland | $645K | 3.8% |
| South Korea | $430K | 2.5% |
| Canada | $365K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.50 per kg, 65% above the world average of $0.91. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Worn clothing exports from Zambia
In 2024, Zambia exported worn clothing worth $528 thousand (227 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were United States (27%), India (22%), Angola (18%). Among the main buyer markets, Nigeria grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $144K | 27% |
| India | $117K | 22% |
| Angola | $96K | 18% |
| Central African Republic | $43K | 8.1% |
| Mozambique | $42K | 8% |
| United Kingdom | $23K | 4.4% |
| Malawi | $15K | 2.9% |
| Nigeria | $13K | 2.5% |
| Kenya | $11K | 2.1% |
| Botswana | $6K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia worn clothing imports (HS 6309): 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 6309: Textiles; worn clothing and other worn articles.
Common questions
What is the value of worn clothing imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported worn clothing worth $17.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 11.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 61st of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 68% on 2023.
Which countries supply worn clothing to Zambia?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier with 22% of the value ($3.9 million), followed by Pakistan (18%) and Switzerland (10%). The top three together account for 50%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Canada grew fastest among the top ten, up 46% on the year.
What is the average import price of worn clothing per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.50 per kg in 2024, 65% above the world average of $0.91 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of worn clothing to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $19.2 million in 2017 to $17.2 million in 2024, a fall of 11%. The peak was 2022 at $63.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $31.3 million a year.
Does Zambia also export worn clothing?
Yes. Zambia exported $528 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United States, India and Angola. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $16.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for worn clothing?
The HS code for worn clothing is heading 6309. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 6309.00. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6309 page.
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.
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