Printed books imports in Zimbabwe: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Zimbabwe imported printed books worth $6.1 million (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 51% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $12.3 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 | $6.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2022 | $7.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $7.2M | 2.4K t |
| 2020 | $4.6M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 2.3K t |
| 2018 | $12.3M | 3.3K t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 825 t |
Where Zimbabwe imports printed books from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+156% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $3.2M | 52% |
| United Kingdom | $1.6M | 26% |
| United States | $580K | 9.5% |
| China | $241K | 3.9% |
| New Zealand | $133K | 2.2% |
| Mauritius | $103K | 1.7% |
| India | $100K | 1.6% |
| Netherlands | $37K | 0.6% |
| Pakistan | $20K | 0.3% |
| Singapore | $18K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 4901
| 4901.99 | Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 | 89% |
| 4901.10 | Printed single sheets and leaflets | 10% |
| 4901.91 | Printed dictionaries and encyclopaedias | 1.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.22 per kg, 44% below the world average of $9.39, 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 printed books imports (HS 4901): 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 4901: Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of printed books imported by Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe imported printed books worth $6.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 119th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 51% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed books to Zimbabwe?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($3.2 million), followed by the United Kingdom (26%) and the United States (9%). The top three together account for 87%, out of 48 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 156% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed books per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.22 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $9.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of printed books to Zimbabwe changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $6.1 million in 2024, an increase of 56%. The peak was 2018 at $12.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed books?
The HS code for printed books is heading 4901. In Zimbabwe the largest six-digit codes were 4901.99 (89% of the value) and 4901.10 (10%).
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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