Ink imports in Zimbabwe: data, top suppliers and prices
Zimbabwe imported $3.0 million of ink in 2024 (300 tonnes). That is 19% 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 | $3.0M | 300 t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 159 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 192 t |
| 2021 | $3.2M | 244 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 159 t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 164 t |
| 2018 | $3.5M | 387 t |
| 2017 | $3.5M | 447 t |
Where Zimbabwe imports ink from
South Africa alone supplied 74% of it. Among the main suppliers, Switzerland grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.2M | 74% |
| Switzerland | $374K | 13% |
| China | $93K | 3.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $85K | 2.9% |
| Pakistan | $52K | 1.7% |
| Germany | $43K | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | $39K | 1.3% |
| Hong Kong | $35K | 1.2% |
| South Korea | $30K | 1% |
| India | $17K | 0.6% |
Product types under HS 3215
| 3215.19 | Colored printing ink | 51% |
| 3215.90 | Writing and drawing ink | 36% |
| 3215.11 | Black printing ink | 13% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.85 per kg, 25% below the world average of $13.13, 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 Zimbabwe?
The shipment records behind Zimbabwe ink imports (HS 3215): 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 3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of ink imported by Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe imported ink worth $3.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 300 tonnes. That ranks it 126th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 19% on 2023.
Which countries supply ink to Zimbabwe?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($2.2 million), followed by Switzerland (13%) and China (3%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 24 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 65% on the year.
What is the average import price of ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.85 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $13.13 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of ink to Zimbabwe changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.5 million in 2017 to $3.0 million in 2024, a fall of 16%. The peak was 2023 at $3.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for ink?
The HS code for ink is heading 3215. In Zimbabwe the largest six-digit codes were 3215.19 (51% of the value) and 3215.90 (36%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX rebuilds Zimbabwe trade from the customs records of its trading partners, so the companies shipping to and from it are visible. Ask for a live look at your product.
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