Trade lane

What Zimbabwe buys from China.

Zimbabwe imported USD 1.4bn of manufactured and processed goods from China in 2024, up 24 per cent on 2022. That is 23 per cent of everything Zimbabwe imported in these lines, and China is its number 2 source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where China dominates, and where another country ships the same line for less a tonne.

Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices.

USD 1.4bnfrom China in 2024 (USD 1.1bn in 2022)
23 per centof Zimbabwe's imports in these lines, USD 6.1bn from every source
266product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#2China's rank among Zimbabwe's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what Zimbabwe paid China for it at the border, China's share of everything Zimbabwe imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 47 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Base stationsHS 851761

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports79 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changeup 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 82,576 a tonne, 493 tonnes
    USD 41min 2024
  2. 2

    Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 870210

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports65 per cent, 20 source countries
    Changeup 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,377 a tonne, 4,089 tonnes
    USD 38min 2024
  3. 3

    Turbines: parts of steam and other vapour turbinesHS 840690

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports60 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changefrom USD 54k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 79,457 a tonne, 381 tonnes
    USD 30min 2024
  4. 4

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports78 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changeup 92 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,390 a tonne, 12,600 tonnes
    USD 30min 2024
  5. 5

    Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports41 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changeup 98 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,807 a tonne, 7,391 tonnes
    USD 28min 2024
  6. 6

    Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports42 per cent, 26 source countries
    Changeup 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,781 a tonne, 8,348 tonnes
    USD 23min 2024
  7. 7

    Cyanides and cyanide oxides: of sodiumHS 283711

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports45 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,133 a tonne, 9,496 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  8. 8

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plasticsHS 721070

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports46 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changeup 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 669 a tonne, 29,403 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  9. 9

    Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports41 per cent, 45 source countries
    Changeup 285 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 70,465 a tonne, 276 tonnes
    USD 19min 2024
  10. 10

    Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841370

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports68 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 16,806 a tonne, 1,077 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  11. 11

    Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports45 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 110 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,189 a tonne, 3,953 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  12. 12

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853720

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports58 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changeup 87 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 20,898 a tonne, 786 tonnes
    USD 16min 2024
  13. 13

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports27 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changedown 55 per cent on 2022 (USD 33m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,249 a tonne, 11,972 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  14. 14

    Pumps and liquid elevators: n.e.c. in heading no. 8413HS 841381

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports55 per cent, 36 source countries
    Changefrom USD 199k in 2022
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 15min 2024
  15. 15

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports43 per cent, 54 source countries
    Changeup 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 8,949 a tonne, 1,640 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  16. 16

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not...HS 870422

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports29 per cent, 22 source countries
    Changeup 341 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,578 a tonne, 5,560 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  17. 17

    Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847420

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports67 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,300 a tonne, 10,862 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  18. 18

    Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a...HS 690220

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports91 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changeup 237 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 614 a tonne, 21,731 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  19. 19

    Polyesters: n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary formsHS 390799

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports74 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changenew since 2022
    Unit valueUSD 1,012 a tonne, 13,096 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  20. 20

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870423

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports34 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changedown 62 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,429 a tonne, 8,551 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  21. 21

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports40 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,775 a tonne, 1,729 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  22. 22

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports67 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,784 a tonne, 6,551 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  23. 23

    Front-end shovel loadersHS 842951

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports30 per cent, 20 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,917 a tonne, 5,609 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  24. 24

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853710

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports44 per cent, 46 source countries
    Changedown 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 13,555 a tonne, 780 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  25. 25

    Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41HS 847149

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports84 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changefrom USD 445k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 234,347 a tonne, 45 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  26. 26

    Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380891

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports28 per cent, 25 source countries
    Changeup 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,946 a tonne, 2,111 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  27. 27

    Herbicides, anti-sprouting products and plant-growth regulators: other than containing goods of Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for...HS 380893

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports24 per cent, 17 source countries
    Changedown 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,193 a tonne, 3,167 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  28. 28

    Meters: electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereofHS 902830

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports59 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changelevel with 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 64,034 a tonne, 148 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  29. 29

    Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7208HS 720890

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports87 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changeup 259 per cent on 2022 (USD 3m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,358 a tonne, 6,891 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  30. 30

    Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap): linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail saleHS 340231

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports86 per cent, 4 source countries
    Changefrom USD 175k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 1,832 a tonne, 5,109 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  31. 31

    Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50HS 842959

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports19 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 2,357 a tonne, 3,831 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  32. 32

    Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices, photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panelsHS 854143

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports28 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,246 a tonne, 7,180 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  33. 33

    Poly(ethylene terephthalate): in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/gHS 390769

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports57 per cent, 11 source countries
    Changenew since 2022
    Unit valueUSD 1,244 a tonne, 7,087 tonnes
    USD 9min 2024
  34. 34

    Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type)HS 871639

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports31 per cent, 17 source countries
    Changeup 117 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,290 a tonne, 6,492 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  35. 35

    Telephone sets: other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851714

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports79 per cent, 16 source countries
    Changeup 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 228,140 a tonne, 35 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  36. 36

    Carbonaceous pastes: for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace liningsHS 380130

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports64 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changeup 57 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 848 a tonne, 9,189 tonnes
    USD 8min 2024
  37. 37

    Furniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom useHS 940360

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports79 per cent, 35 source countries
    Changefrom USD 395k in 2022
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 8min 2024
  38. 38

    Organic surface-active agents: cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail saleHS 340241

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports98 per cent, 2 source countries
    Changeup 292 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 7min 2024
  39. 39

    Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.70HS 847180

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports61 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changefrom USD 17k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 183,809 a tonne, 37 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  40. 40

    Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports36 per cent, 7 source countries
    Changedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,925 a tonne, 2,299 tonnes
    USD 7min 2024
  41. 41

    Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports34 per cent, 46 source countries
    Changedown 6 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 6min 2024
  42. 42

    Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kVHS 853521

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports86 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changefrom USD 365k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 32,818 a tonne, 183 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  43. 43

    Boilers: auxiliary plant, for use with boilers of heading no. 8402 or 8403 (e.g. economisers, super-heaters, soot removers, gas recoverers)HS 840410

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports88 per cent, 4 source countries
    Changefrom USD 112k in 2022
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 6min 2024
  44. 44

    Machines: for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials in powder or paste form, machines for...HS 847480

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports75 per cent, 11 source countries
    Changeup 436 per cent on 2022 (USD 1m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 6min 2024
  45. 45

    Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports31 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 131 per cent on 2022 (USD 2m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,640 a tonne, 2,130 tonnes
    USD 6min 2024
  46. 46

    Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports33 per cent, 32 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,831 a tonne, 2,898 tonnes
    USD 5min 2024
  47. 47

    Units of automatic data processing machines: storage unitsHS 847170

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports69 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changefrom USD 293k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 289,995 a tonne, 18 tonnes
    USD 5min 2024
  48. 48

    Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda): solidHS 281511

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports54 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changefrom USD 72k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 790 a tonne, 6,592 tonnes
    USD 5min 2024
  49. 49

    Machines: for sorting, screening, separating or washing earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 847410

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports32 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changedown 79 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,409 a tonne, 3,646 tonnes
    USD 5min 2024
  50. 50

    Refractory cements, mortars, concretes and similar compositions, including dolomite ramming mix, other than products of heading 38.01HS 381600

    Share of Zimbabwe's imports53 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changefrom USD 448k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 875 a tonne, 5,857 tonnes
    USD 5min 2024
Fastest growing

The lines that grew most since 2022.

Lines worth at least USD 5m in 2022, ranked by growth to 2024 in current dollars. A fast rise can be a new product, a shift away from another source, or a price change; the record does not say which.

  1. Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other...HS 851762USD 19m in 2024, up 285 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). China supplies 41 per cent of the line.
  2. Base stationsHS 851761USD 41m in 2024, up 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). China supplies 79 per cent of the line.
  3. Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760USD 17m in 2024, up 110 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022). China supplies 45 per cent of the line.
  4. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, painted, varnished or coated with plasticsHS 721070USD 20m in 2024, up 106 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). China supplies 46 per cent of the line.
  5. Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121USD 28m in 2024, up 98 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). China supplies 41 per cent of the line.
  6. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 401120USD 30m in 2024, up 92 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). China supplies 78 per cent of the line.
  7. Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than switching apparatus of heading no. 8517), for a...HS 853720USD 16m in 2024, up 87 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). China supplies 58 per cent of the line.
  8. Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841370USD 18m in 2024, up 68 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). China supplies 68 per cent of the line.
  9. Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490USD 23m in 2024, up 52 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022). China supplies 42 per cent of the line.
  10. Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 870210USD 38m in 2024, up 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022). China supplies 65 per cent of the line.
  11. Telephone sets: other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networksHS 851714USD 8m in 2024, up 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). China supplies 79 per cent of the line.
  12. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 401110USD 12m in 2024, up 34 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). China supplies 67 per cent of the line.
  13. Electrical static convertersHS 850440USD 15m in 2024, up 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). China supplies 43 per cent of the line.
  14. Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or packings for retail sale or as preparations or articlesHS 380891USD 10m in 2024, up 11 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). China supplies 28 per cent of the line.
Where China dominates

Lines where China supplies 60 per cent or more.

The largest lines worth USD 1m or more where China ships at least 60 per cent of what Zimbabwe imports. This is supply concentration: how much of the line depends on one source country.

  1. Base stationsHS 85176179 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 41m; 8 source countries in all.
  2. Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or...HS 87021065 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 38m; 20 source countries in all.
  3. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on buses or lorriesHS 40112078 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 30m; 19 source countries in all.
  4. Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 84137068 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 18m; 21 source countries in all.
  5. Machines: for crushing or grinding earth, stone, ores or other mineral substancesHS 84742067 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 14m; 12 source countries in all.
  6. Refractory bricks, blocks, tiles and similar refractory ceramic constructional goods: containing by weight more than 50% of alumina (Al2o3), of silica (SiO2) or of a...HS 69022091 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 13m; 7 source countries in all.
  7. Polyesters: n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary formsHS 39079974 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 13m; 8 source countries in all.
  8. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station wagons and racing cars)HS 40111067 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 12m; 21 source countries in all.
  9. Automatic data processing machines: presented in the form of systems, n.e.c. in item no. 8471.30 or 8471.41HS 84714984 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 11m; 18 source countries in all.
  10. Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, hot-rolled, of a width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7208HS 72089087 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 9m; 5 source countries in all.
  11. Anionic organic surface-active agents (other than soap): linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acids and their salts, whether or not put up for retail saleHS 34023186 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 9m; 4 source countries in all.
  12. Telephone sets: other than smartphones, for cellular or other wireless networksHS 85171479 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 8m; 16 source countries in all.
  13. Carbonaceous pastes: for electrodes and similar pastes for furnace liningsHS 38013064 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 8m; 5 source countries in all.
  14. Furniture: wooden, other than for office, kitchen or bedroom useHS 94036079 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 8m; 35 source countries in all.
  15. Organic surface-active agents: cationic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail saleHS 34024198 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 7m; 2 source countries in all.
  16. Units of automatic data processing machines: n.e.c. in item no. 8471.50, 8471.60 or 8471.70HS 84718061 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 7m; 23 source countries in all.
  17. Electrical apparatus: automatic circuit breakers, for a voltage exceeding 1000 volts but less than 72.5kVHS 85352186 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 6m; 5 source countries in all.
  18. Boilers: auxiliary plant, for use with boilers of heading no. 8402 or 8403 (e.g. economisers, super-heaters, soot removers, gas recoverers)HS 84041088 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 6m; 4 source countries in all.
  19. Machines: for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid mineral fuels, ceramic paste, unhardened cements, plastering materials in powder or paste form, machines for...HS 84748075 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 6m; 11 source countries in all.
  20. Units of automatic data processing machines: storage unitsHS 84717069 per cent of Zimbabwe's imports of the line, USD 5m; 27 source countries in all.
Another source, lower unit value

Where another country ships the same line for at least 20 per cent less a tonne.

Lines worth USD 5m or more where China's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to Zimbabwe at a unit value at least 20 per cent lower. The largest such source is named. The same heading can hold different grades, so a lower figure is a question to ask, not a like-for-like price.

  1. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890China: USD 15m at USD 1,249 a tonne. United Arab Emirates: USD 10m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 779 a tonne, 38 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,322 a tonne.
  2. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not...HS 870422China: USD 14m at USD 2,578 a tonne. United Kingdom: USD 8m (17 per cent of the line) at USD 1,660 a tonne, 36 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,717 a tonne.
  3. Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449China: USD 12m at USD 6,775 a tonne. South Africa: USD 7m (25 per cent of the line) at USD 5,086 a tonne, 25 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,452 a tonne.
The other side of the lane

What Zimbabwe buys from everyone, and what it is placed to make.

What this record says

What crossed the border, what it was worth, and what it weighed.

Every figure on this page is from CEPII's BACI file, which reconciles what each pair of countries reports to the UN about the same shipment. Trade year 2024, compared with 2022. A line is one six-digit customs heading (HS 2022). Values are in US dollars at the border; growth is in current dollars, so part of any change is price, not volume.

Unit value. Unit values are customs values per tonne, declared at the border, not product prices. It is the value of a line divided by its declared weight, so it mixes grades, models and qualities under one heading. It is shown only where the weight is recorded, at least three source countries of USD 100k or more ship the line to Zimbabwe with a weight, and the figure sits within a factor of five of the middle of those sources. Outside that band it is treated as a recording problem and left out.

Share is China's part of everything Zimbabwe imported in that line, from every source. Sources counts the countries that shipped any of it.

Scope. Manufactured and processed goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, without ores, fuels, precious metals, scrap, raw farm output and one-off capital and defence purchases: the same rule as the Made here pages.

What it does not say

A record of trade, not a shopping list.

What this record does not say: what sells at retail, what margin a trade leaves, how crowded the marketplaces are, or how much of a flow is re-exported through entrepots such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

A large line is not proof of an opening, and a lower unit value from another country is not proof the goods are the same. Tariffs, standards, freight, payment terms, lead times and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. Nothing on this page is a forecast, a recommendation or a promise. No supplier company is named, because the record holds none.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601. Edition of 2026-11-03.

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