Zinc ore imports in Zambia: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zambia imported zinc ore worth $97.7 million (78.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Over 2018-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 263% a year on average.
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 | $97.7M | 78.0K t |
| 2023 | $0K | - |
| 2022 | $88K | 23 t |
| 2021 | $4.0M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $946K | 946 t |
| 2018 | $43K | 173 t |
Where Zambia imports zinc ore from
One supplier dominates: DR Congo accounted for 100% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $97.7M | 100% |
| Tanzania | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
| Morocco | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.25 per kg, close to the world average of $1.05.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Zinc ore exports from Zambia
Zambia exported $75.5 million of zinc ore in 2024 (58.1 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Most of it went to Tanzania (43%), China (34%), United Arab Emirates (7%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+695% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $32.4M | 43% |
| China | $25.5M | 34% |
| United Arab Emirates | $5.6M | 7.4% |
| Namibia | $4.3M | 5.6% |
| Hong Kong | $4.0M | 5.4% |
| South Africa | $2.9M | 3.9% |
| Canada | $573K | 0.8% |
| India | $177K | 0.2% |
| Turkey | $65K | 0.1% |
| Singapore | $38K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Zambia?
The shipment records behind Zambia zinc ore imports (HS 2608): 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 2608: Zinc ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of zinc ore imported by Zambia?
Zambia imported zinc ore worth $97.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 78.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 87 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports.
Which countries supply zinc ore to Zambia?
The DR Congo was the largest supplier with 100% of the value ($97.7 million), followed by Tanzania (0%) and South Africa (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 4 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 160% on the year.
What is the average import price of zinc ore per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.25 per kg in 2024, 19% above the world average of $1.05 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of zinc ore to Zambia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $43 thousand in 2018 to $97.7 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 5 years the average was $20.6 million a year.
Does Zambia also export zinc ore?
Yes. Zambia exported $75.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, China and the United Arab Emirates. On balance Zambia is a net importer of this product, by about $22.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for zinc ore?
The HS code for zinc ore is heading 2608. In Zambia all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2608.00. It sits in HS chapter 26 (ores, slag and ash). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2608 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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