Trade lane

What Zambia buys from South Africa.

Zambia imported USD 2.7bn of manufactured and processed goods from South Africa in 2024, up 14 per cent on 2022. That is 33 per cent of everything Zambia imported in these lines, and South Africa is its largest source. Below: the 50 largest lines, the fastest growing, where South Africa 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 2.7bnfrom South Africa in 2024 (USD 2.4bn in 2022)
33 per centof Zambia's imports in these lines, USD 8.3bn from every source
434product lines worth USD 1m or more on this lane
#1South Africa's rank among Zambia's sources
The top 50

The largest lines on the lane, by 2024 value.

Each line shows what Zambia paid South Africa for it at the border, South Africa's share of everything Zambia imported in that line, how it changed since 2022, and the customs unit value per tonne where the weight is recorded. Together they are 45 per cent of the lane.

  1. 1

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: n.e.c. in heading no. 3105HS 310590

    Share of Zambia's imports85 per cent, 32 source countries
    Changeup 251 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,027 a tonne, 33,860 tonnes
    USD 102min 2024
  2. 2

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870421

    Share of Zambia's imports67 per cent, 29 source countries
    Changeup 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 64m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 12,404 a tonne, 6,999 tonnes
    USD 87min 2024
  3. 3

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, ammonium nitrate, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310230

    Share of Zambia's imports49 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changedown 21 per cent on 2022 (USD 58m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 602 a tonne, 76,798 tonnes
    USD 46min 2024
  4. 4

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

    Share of Zambia's imports39 per cent, 74 source countries
    Changeup 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 38m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 10,723 a tonne, 4,144 tonnes
    USD 44min 2024
  5. 5

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

    Share of Zambia's imports18 per cent, 17 source countries
    Changeup 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,638 a tonne, 4,268 tonnes
    USD 41min 2024
  6. 6

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

    Share of Zambia's imports49 per cent, 42 source countries
    Changeup 158 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,986 a tonne, 13,627 tonnes
    USD 41min 2024
  7. 7

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, other kinds including mixtures not specified in the foregoing subheadingsHS 310290

    Share of Zambia's imports92 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changedown 45 per cent on 2022 (USD 72m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 541 a tonne, 73,731 tonnes
    USD 40min 2024
  8. 8

    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 Zambia's imports36 per cent, 51 source countries
    Changeup 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,903 a tonne, 3,994 tonnes
    USD 40min 2024
  9. 9

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Share of Zambia's imports93 per cent, 15 source countries
    Changeup 19 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 622 a tonne, 61,445 tonnes
    USD 38min 2024
  10. 10

    Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary formsHS 390210

    Share of Zambia's imports97 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changedown 13 per cent on 2022 (USD 43m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,261 a tonne, 29,544 tonnes
    USD 37min 2024
  11. 11

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

    Share of Zambia's imports17 per cent, 30 source countries
    Changeup 22 per cent on 2022 (USD 28m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 9,642 a tonne, 3,476 tonnes
    USD 34min 2024
  12. 12

    Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210

    Share of Zambia's imports58 per cent, 31 source countries
    Changeup 104 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,112 a tonne, 3,984 tonnes
    USD 28min 2024
  13. 13

    Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailersHS 871631

    Share of Zambia's imports75 per cent, 13 source countries
    Changeup 63 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,728 a tonne, 4,179 tonnes
    USD 28min 2024
  14. 14

    Pumps: parts thereofHS 841391

    Share of Zambia's imports71 per cent, 50 source countries
    Changeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 17,070 a tonne, 1,557 tonnes
    USD 27min 2024
  15. 15

    Chemical products, mixtures and preparations: n.e.c. heading 3824HS 382499

    Share of Zambia's imports37 per cent, 40 source countries
    Changedown 17 per cent on 2022 (USD 32m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,600 a tonne, 10,209 tonnes
    USD 27min 2024
  16. 16

    Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952

    Share of Zambia's imports44 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 134 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,319 a tonne, 4,900 tonnes
    USD 26min 2024
  17. 17

    Electrical static convertersHS 850440

    Share of Zambia's imports46 per cent, 54 source countries
    Changeup 403 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 61,879 a tonne, 417 tonnes
    USD 26min 2024
  18. 18

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

    Share of Zambia's imports41 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changedown 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 35m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,615 a tonne, 4,859 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  19. 19

    Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94HS 390110

    Share of Zambia's imports53 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 22m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,314 a tonne, 16,513 tonnes
    USD 22min 2024
  20. 20

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, double salts and mixtures of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrateHS 310260

    Share of Zambia's imports82 per cent, 12 source countries
    Changeup 265 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 539 a tonne, 38,341 tonnes
    USD 21min 2024
  21. 21

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity over 2500ccHS 870333

    Share of Zambia's imports45 per cent, 28 source countries
    Changeup 12 per cent on 2022 (USD 18m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 17,602 a tonne, 1,134 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  22. 22

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Share of Zambia's imports78 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changedown 7 per cent on 2022 (USD 21m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,366 a tonne, 8,280 tonnes
    USD 20min 2024
  23. 23

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

    Share of Zambia's imports58 per cent, 33 source countries
    Changefrom USD 909k in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 47,771 a tonne, 397 tonnes
    USD 19min 2024
  24. 24

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310210

    Share of Zambia's imports10 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changeup 8 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 499 a tonne, 37,715 tonnes
    USD 19min 2024
  25. 25

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, no...HS 761290

    Share of Zambia's imports100 per cent, 9 source countries
    Changeup 14 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 18min 2024
  26. 26

    Soap and organic surface-active products: in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap...HS 340111

    Share of Zambia's imports90 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changeup 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,366 a tonne, 13,328 tonnes
    USD 18min 2024
  27. 27

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

    Share of Zambia's imports26 per cent, 48 source countries
    Changeup 58 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 19,832 a tonne, 858 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  28. 28

    Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73HS 730690

    Share of Zambia's imports86 per cent, 28 source countries
    Changeup 308 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,051 a tonne, 8,122 tonnes
    USD 17min 2024
  29. 29

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

    Share of Zambia's imports24 per cent, 20 source countries
    Changeup 30 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,729 a tonne, 2,233 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  30. 30

    Boring or sinking machinery: parts for boring or sinking machinery of subheading 8430.41 or 8430.49HS 843143

    Share of Zambia's imports45 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changeup 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 13m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 17,530 a tonne, 847 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  31. 31

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

    Share of Zambia's imports11 per cent, 24 source countries
    Changeup 260 per cent on 2022 (USD 4m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 5,670 a tonne, 2,596 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  32. 32

    Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890

    Share of Zambia's imports49 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changeup 64 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 19,613 a tonne, 741 tonnes
    USD 15min 2024
  33. 33

    Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87HS 840820

    Share of Zambia's imports66 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changedown 37 per cent on 2022 (USD 23m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 23,273 a tonne, 619 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  34. 34

    Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708HS 870899

    Share of Zambia's imports37 per cent, 62 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 15m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 14,198 a tonne, 1,014 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  35. 35

    Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 330499

    Share of Zambia's imports75 per cent, 44 source countries
    Changeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,455 a tonne, 5,729 tonnes
    USD 14min 2024
  36. 36

    Beverages, fermented: (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake)HS 220600

    Share of Zambia's imports100 per cent, 9 source countries
    Changeup 20 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valuenot shown: weight missing or out of range
    USD 14min 2024
  37. 37

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Share of Zambia's imports53 per cent, 51 source countries
    Changedown 15 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,723 a tonne, 4,852 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  38. 38

    Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary formsHS 391231

    Share of Zambia's imports51 per cent, 9 source countries
    Changeup 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 4,860 a tonne, 2,711 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  39. 39

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

    Share of Zambia's imports39 per cent, 60 source countries
    Changeup 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 21,937 a tonne, 578 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  40. 40

    Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethyleneHS 391721

    Share of Zambia's imports86 per cent, 18 source countries
    Changeup 168 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,905 a tonne, 6,636 tonnes
    USD 13min 2024
  41. 41

    Explosives, prepared: other than propellent powdersHS 360200

    Share of Zambia's imports95 per cent, 5 source countries
    Changeup 23 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,552 a tonne, 3,452 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  42. 42

    Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVAHS 850213

    Share of Zambia's imports53 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 12,743 a tonne, 931 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  43. 43

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail...HS 340250

    Share of Zambia's imports94 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changeup 18 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 976 a tonne, 12,028 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  44. 44

    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 Zambia's imports47 per cent, 21 source countries
    Changedown 26 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 6,763 a tonne, 1,719 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  45. 45

    Freezers: of the chest type, not exceeding 800l capacityHS 841830

    Share of Zambia's imports82 per cent, 19 source countries
    Changedown 1 per cent on 2022 (USD 12m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 3,889 a tonne, 2,960 tonnes
    USD 12min 2024
  46. 46

    Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 841950

    Share of Zambia's imports76 per cent, 27 source countries
    Changefrom USD 1m in 2022
    Unit valueUSD 25,025 a tonne, 459 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  47. 47

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Share of Zambia's imports87 per cent, 26 source countries
    Changeup 2 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 1,609 a tonne, 6,582 tonnes
    USD 11min 2024
  48. 48

    Rodenticides and other similar products n.e.c. in heading no. 3808.9: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Note 1 in this Chapter, put up in forms or...HS 380899

    Share of Zambia's imports62 per cent, 23 source countries
    Changedown 3 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 2,667 a tonne, 3,821 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  49. 49

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: ammonium dihydrogenorthophosphate (monoammonium phosphate) and mixtures thereof with diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate (diammonium...HS 310540

    Share of Zambia's imports9 per cent, 14 source countries
    Changeup 89 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 869 a tonne, 11,601 tonnes
    USD 10min 2024
  50. 50

    Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, suitable for infants or young children, put up for retail saleHS 190110

    Share of Zambia's imports92 per cent, 8 source countries
    Changeup 31 per cent on 2022 (USD 8m in 2022)
    Unit valueUSD 7,994 a tonne, 1,241 tonnes
    USD 10min 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. Electrical static convertersHS 850440USD 26m in 2024, up 403 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Africa supplies 46 per cent of the line.
  2. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, double salts and mixtures of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrateHS 310260USD 21m in 2024, up 265 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Africa supplies 82 per cent of the line.
  3. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: n.e.c. in heading no. 3105HS 310590USD 102m in 2024, up 251 per cent on 2022 (USD 29m in 2022). South Africa supplies 85 per cent of the line.
  4. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890USD 41m in 2024, up 158 per cent on 2022 (USD 16m in 2022). South Africa supplies 49 per cent of the line.
  5. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952USD 26m in 2024, up 134 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Africa supplies 44 per cent of the line.
  6. Odoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or drink industriesHS 330210USD 28m in 2024, up 104 per cent on 2022 (USD 14m in 2022). South Africa supplies 58 per cent of the line.
  7. Cellulose ethers: carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary formsHS 391231USD 13m in 2024, up 99 per cent on 2022 (USD 7m in 2022). South Africa supplies 51 per cent of the line.
  8. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: ammonium dihydrogenorthophosphate (monoammonium phosphate) and mixtures thereof with diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate (diammonium...HS 310540USD 10m in 2024, up 89 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Africa supplies 9 per cent of the line.
  9. Soap and organic surface-active products: in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap...HS 340111USD 18m in 2024, up 67 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Africa supplies 90 per cent of the line.
  10. Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410USD 41m in 2024, up 65 per cent on 2022 (USD 25m in 2022). South Africa supplies 18 per cent of the line.
  11. Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for other than marine propulsion or the vehicles of...HS 840890USD 15m in 2024, up 64 per cent on 2022 (USD 9m in 2022). South Africa supplies 49 per cent of the line.
  12. Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailersHS 871631USD 28m in 2024, up 63 per cent on 2022 (USD 17m in 2022). South Africa supplies 75 per cent of the line.
  13. Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of glass, (not ampoules), used for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 701090USD 8m in 2024, up 62 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Africa supplies 35 per cent of the line.
  14. Pumps: centrifugal, n.e.c. in heading no. 8413, for liquidsHS 841370USD 17m in 2024, up 58 per cent on 2022 (USD 11m in 2022). South Africa supplies 26 per cent of the line.
  15. Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490USD 40m in 2024, up 53 per cent on 2022 (USD 26m in 2022). South Africa supplies 36 per cent of the line.
  16. Iron or steel: threaded screws and bolts n.e.c. in item no. 7318.1, whether or not with their nuts or washersHS 731815USD 8m in 2024, up 50 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Africa supplies 50 per cent of the line.
  17. Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately): ball or roller screws: gear boxes and other speed...HS 848340USD 9m in 2024, up 49 per cent on 2022 (USD 6m in 2022). South Africa supplies 31 per cent of the line.
  18. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870421USD 87m in 2024, up 36 per cent on 2022 (USD 64m in 2022). South Africa supplies 67 per cent of the line.
  19. Propylene, other olefin polymers: propylene copolymers in primary formsHS 390230USD 7m in 2024, up 33 per cent on 2022 (USD 5m in 2022). South Africa supplies 55 per cent of the line.
  20. Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances: for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including thermostatically controlled valvesHS 848180USD 13m in 2024, up 32 per cent on 2022 (USD 10m in 2022). South Africa supplies 39 per cent of the line.
Where South Africa dominates

Lines where South Africa supplies 60 per cent or more.

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

  1. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: n.e.c. in heading no. 3105HS 31059085 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 102m; 32 source countries in all.
  2. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 87042167 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 87m; 29 source countries in all.
  3. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, other kinds including mixtures not specified in the foregoing subheadingsHS 31029092 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 40m; 8 source countries in all.
  4. Beer: made from maltHS 22030093 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 38m; 15 source countries in all.
  5. Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary formsHS 39021097 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 37m; 13 source countries in all.
  6. Tanker trailers and tanker semi-trailersHS 87163175 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 28m; 13 source countries in all.
  7. Pumps: parts thereofHS 84139171 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 27m; 50 source countries in all.
  8. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, double salts and mixtures of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrateHS 31026082 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 21m; 12 source countries in all.
  9. Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 23099078 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 20m; 33 source countries in all.
  10. Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or less, whether or not lined or heat-insulated, no...HS 761290100 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 18m; 9 source countries in all.
  11. Soap and organic surface-active products: in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and nonwovens, impregnated, coated or covered with soap...HS 34011190 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 18m; 21 source countries in all.
  12. Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not seamless), n.e.c. in chapter 73HS 73069086 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 17m; 28 source countries in all.
  13. Engines: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87HS 84082066 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 14m; 18 source countries in all.
  14. Cosmetic and toilet preparations: n.e.c. in heading no. 3304, for the care of the skin (excluding medicaments, including sunscreen or sun tan preparations)HS 33049975 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 14m; 44 source countries in all.
  15. Beverages, fermented: (e.g. cider, perry, mead, sake)HS 220600100 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 14m; 9 source countries in all.
  16. Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethyleneHS 39172186 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 13m; 18 source countries in all.
  17. Explosives, prepared: other than propellent powdersHS 36020095 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 12m; 5 source countries in all.
  18. Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail...HS 34025094 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 12m; 19 source countries in all.
  19. Freezers: of the chest type, not exceeding 800l capacityHS 84183082 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 12m; 19 source countries in all.
  20. Heat exchange units: not used for domestic purposesHS 84195076 per cent of Zambia's imports of the line, USD 11m; 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 South Africa's unit value is recorded and another country also ships at least USD 5m of the same line to Zambia 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. Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in...HS 870421South Africa: USD 87m at USD 12,404 a tonne. Japan: USD 29m (22 per cent of the line) at USD 6,422 a tonne, 48 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 6,923 a tonne.
  2. Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149South Africa: USD 44m at USD 10,723 a tonne. China: USD 13m (12 per cent of the line) at USD 5,603 a tonne, 48 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 17,588 a tonne.
  3. Vehicles: dumpers, designed for off-highway use, for transport of goodsHS 870410South Africa: USD 41m at USD 9,638 a tonne. China: USD 23m (10 per cent of the line) at USD 3,451 a tonne, 64 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 15,723 a tonne.
  4. Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890South Africa: USD 41m at USD 2,986 a tonne. China: USD 33m (40 per cent of the line) at USD 1,473 a tonne, 51 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 3,523 a tonne.
  5. Machines, for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing etc mineral substances, for agglomerating, shaping or moulding solid fuels, ceramic pastes etc, for...HS 847490South Africa: USD 40m at USD 9,903 a tonne. China: USD 27m (25 per cent of the line) at USD 3,083 a tonne, 69 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,840 a tonne.
  6. Tractors: road tractors for semi-trailers, with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel)HS 870121South Africa: USD 34m at USD 9,642 a tonne. China: USD 120m (59 per cent of the line) at USD 4,191 a tonne, 56 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,278 a tonne.
  7. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structureHS 842952South Africa: USD 26m at USD 5,319 a tonne. China: USD 19m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 3,221 a tonne, 39 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 4,420 a tonne.
  8. Trailers and semi-trailers: (other than tanker type)HS 871639South Africa: USD 22m at USD 4,615 a tonne. China: USD 26m (48 per cent of the line) at USD 1,833 a tonne, 60 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 1,976 a tonne.
  9. Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square)HS 850760South Africa: USD 19m at USD 47,771 a tonne. China: USD 11m (34 per cent of the line) at USD 9,569 a tonne, 80 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 14,452 a tonne.
  10. Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: n.e.c. in item no. 8429.50HS 842959South Africa: USD 15m at USD 6,729 a tonne. China: USD 14m (23 per cent of the line) at USD 4,092 a tonne, 39 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,030 a tonne.
  11. Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on construction, mining or industrial handling vehicles and machinesHS 401180South Africa: USD 15m at USD 5,670 a tonne. China: USD 10m (7 per cent of the line) at USD 3,146 a tonne, 45 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,551 a tonne.
  12. Electric generating sets: with compression-ignition internal combustion piston engines (diesel or semi-diesel engines), of an output exceeding 375kVAHS 850213South Africa: USD 12m at USD 12,743 a tonne. China: USD 7m (31 per cent of the line) at USD 8,384 a tonne, 34 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 9,877 a tonne.
  13. 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 380893South Africa: USD 12m at USD 6,763 a tonne. China: USD 9m (37 per cent of the line) at USD 4,368 a tonne, 35 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 7,421 a tonne.
  14. Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: ammonium dihydrogenorthophosphate (monoammonium phosphate) and mixtures thereof with diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate (diammonium...HS 310540South Africa: USD 10m at USD 869 a tonne. China: USD 30m (27 per cent of the line) at USD 622 a tonne, 28 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 843 a tonne.
  15. Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail saleHS 300490South Africa: USD 9m at USD 22,607 a tonne. Egypt: USD 10m (6 per cent of the line) at USD 9,911 a tonne, 56 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 36,889 a tonne.
  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 870422South Africa: USD 7m at USD 4,924 a tonne. Japan: USD 11m (32 per cent of the line) at USD 3,723 a tonne, 24 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 2,949 a tonne.
  17. Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000ccHS 870323South Africa: USD 7m at USD 11,758 a tonne. Japan: USD 56m (71 per cent of the line) at USD 5,014 a tonne, 57 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 5,697 a tonne.
  18. Front-end shovel loadersHS 842951South Africa: USD 5m at USD 6,841 a tonne. China: USD 14m (50 per cent of the line) at USD 3,739 a tonne, 45 per cent lower. Middle of all sources: USD 8,974 a tonne.
The other side of the lane

What Zambia 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 Zambia 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 South Africa's part of everything Zambia 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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