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Export from Zambia
A short guide for companies selling from Zambia: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Zambia sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$11.3 billion
Merchandise exports were US$11.28 billion in 2024, as Zambia reports to UN Comtrade; the total includes re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Services exports
US$1.39 billion
Services exports were US$1,388.16 million in 2025, according to UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, Zambia (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2024
- 1. Unrefined copper (HS 7402)US$5.84 billion
- 2. Refined copper (HS 7403)US$1.67 billion
- 3. Nickel ore (HS 2604)US$323.7 million
- 4. Electricity (HS 2716)US$278.7 million
- 5. Unmanufactured tobacco (HS 2401)US$186.4 million
- 6. Cement (HS 2523)US$160.8 million
- 7. Bottled and flavored waters (HS 2202)US$144.9 million
- 8. Synthetic and reconstructed gemstones (HS 7104)US$119.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Zinc ore (HS 2608)US$116.4 million
- 10. Ferro-alloys (HS 7202)US$112 million
- 11. Gold (HS 7108)US$111.7 million
- 12. Sulfur (HS 2503)US$111.5 million
- 13. Surfactant and detergent preparations (HS 3402)US$89.9 million
- 14. Mixed fertilizers (HS 3105)US$89.5 million
- 15. Articles of stone and minerals (HS 6815)US$84.8 million
- 16. Cobalt oxides (HS 2822)US$80.2 million
- 17. Copper wire (HS 7408)US$79.8 million
- 18. Bread, biscuits and bakery goods (HS 1905)US$71.6 million
- 19. Sugar (HS 1701)US$71.3 million
- 20. Oilseed cake (HS 2306)US$61.6 million
- Copper (HS 7402 and 7403) was 66.6 percent of 2024 exports; shares to the top destinations follow copper sales. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports; Zambia's 2024 report to UN Comtrade gives no separate re-export figure, so their share is not known. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Where the goods go
2024, share of goods exports
- Switzerland42.5%
- China20.8%
- Democratic Republic of the Congo10.7%
- South Africa4.2%
- United Arab Emirates3.5%
- Zimbabwe3.3%
- Canada2.3%
- Singapore2%
- Switzerland, China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo took 74.0 percent of 2024 exports, as Zambia reports the partner country. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (unrefined copper, refined copper and nickel ore) make up about 77% of Zambia’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks bread, biscuits and bakery goods and oilseed cake as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Zambia’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Bread, biscuits and bakery goods grew 37% from 2023 to 2024. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
Switzerland takes 42.5% of Zambia’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Zambia exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Zambia ratified the AfCFTA in February 2021, so goods meeting its origin rules can claim preferences where the importing State Party applies its schedule.
Zambia gazetted a provisional schedule in February 2025 but does not yet grant AfCFTA tariff preferences; check the destination's schedule.
Source: SADC Secretariat, AfCFTA workshop in Zambia, July 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of July 28, 2026
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Free Trade Area
Zambia grants duty-free, quota-free treatment to originating goods of the 13 other members that apply the free trade area, the WTO says.
Rules-based preference, so check origin rules; the Democratic Republic of the Congo does not apply the free trade area.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
COMESA Simplified Trade Regime
Small cross-border traders use simplified customs and origin certificates with Malawi and Zimbabwe, per the WTO's 2025 review.
Covers only agreed products on those two borders, not other COMESA borders.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Trade
SADC-origin goods can enter other implementing members at preferential duty; the revenue authority registers Zambian companies that export under it, the ZDA guide says.
Rules-based preference; the Comoros and the Democratic Republic of the Congo do not apply it, and Angola was completing its accession in 2025, so check the destination's status.
Source: Zambia Development Agency, guide to Zambia's trade agreements, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 3 more agreements
COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area
Zambia ratified the Agreement on January 15, 2021, and it entered into force on July 25, 2024, the WTO says.
Rules-based preference, so check the destination's tariff schedule and origin rules before you quote.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
AGOA
Zambia is on the June 2026 list, so eligible goods enter the United States under AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries.
The list is reviewed each year, and Public Law 119-103 extends the program to December 31, 2028.
Source: USTR, AGOA eligibility notice, Federal Register, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme (Comprehensive Preferences)
Zambia is listed in the Comprehensive Preferences tier for least developed countries, so goods enter the United Kingdom under that tier.
Check the product's origin rules and the tier's conditions before you quote a duty-free price.
Source: United Kingdom Government, Developing Countries Trading Scheme preference tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Zambia
- Register with the revenue authority for a taxpayer identification number, which every company that exports needs.Zambia Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Zambia Revenue Authority, exportation of goods (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- To export under SADC, COMESA or other preferences, also register with the customs services division.Zambia Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Zambia Revenue Authority, exportation of goods (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Check the revenue authority's list of restricted goods; a restricted good may need an export permit from the relevant ministry, such as a CITES permit for listed species.Zambia Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Zambia Revenue Authority, exportation of goods (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For timber exports, arrange the export inspection that the compulsory standards agency lists among its services.Zambia Compulsory Standards AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 4 more export steps
- For plants and plant products, ask the plant protection service for inspection and a phytosanitary certificate under the Plant Health Act, 2025.Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary ServiceOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
- Apply for the certificate of origin your destination scheme needs, through the revenue authority.Zambia Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
- Appoint a customs broker and file the export declaration (Form CE 20) through ASYCUDA, with the invoice and packing list.Zambia Revenue AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Zambia Development Agency, summary of export procedures, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- Receive export proceeds through a bank in Zambia, which feeds the central bank export proceeds tracking framework.Bank of ZambiaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bank of Zambia, Zambanker journal, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with ZDA, ZRA and ZamStats. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Get advice
National trade and investment agency
ZDA
Zambia Development Agency
Promotes non-traditional exports, registers companies that export, and licenses and registers investors, including those in special economic zones.
Visit ZDA (opens in a new tab)Source: Zambia Development Agency, export overview (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
ZamStats
Zambia Statistics Agency
Is the body the Statistics Act designates to publish official statistics, including consumer prices and national accounts.
Visit ZamStats (opens in a new tab)Source: National Assembly of Zambia, Statistics Act (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Get advice
Trade and industry ministry
MCTI
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry
Sets trade and industrial policy and hosts the national notification authority for technical barriers to trade.
Visit MCTI (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BoZ
Bank of Zambia
Runs the framework that tracks export proceeds and issues the rules on settling domestic payments in kwacha.
Visit BoZ (opens in a new tab)Source: Bank of Zambia, Zambanker journal, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Regional economic community
SADC
Southern African Development Community Secretariat
Regional body
Administers the SADC Protocol on Trade, under which qualifying Zambian goods can claim preferential access in member states.
Visit SADC (opens in a new tab)Source: Zambia Development Agency, export trade agreements (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
ZRA
Zambia Revenue Authority
Issues taxpayer numbers, clears exports through customs and registers companies that claim preferences.
Visit ZRA (opens in a new tab)Source: Zambia Revenue Authority, exportation of goods (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National plant protection organization
PQPS
Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service
Inspects plants and plant products for export and import and is the national plant protection organization.
Visit PQPS (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
National standards body
ZABS
Zambia Bureau of Standards
Develops national standards, tests and certifies products, and is the technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit ZABS (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Compulsory standards agency
ZCSA
Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency
Enforces compulsory standards, including inspections of export timber and of imported goods.
Visit ZCSA (opens in a new tab)Source: Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
ZACCI
Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Represents businesses of all sectors in dialogue with government and runs local chambers in several towns.
Visit ZACCI (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
- Get advice
Manufacturers association
ZAM
Zambia Association of Manufacturers
Represents manufacturers in policy dialogue and runs the Proudly Zambian campaign.
Visit ZAM (opens in a new tab)Source: Zambia Association of Manufacturers, home page, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 24, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Export taxes
The revenue authority's tariff book, last updated in January 2026, lists export duty of 10 to 15 percent on ores; the WTO reports rates up to 40 percent.
What to do: Confirm the current rate and any suspension order with the revenue authority before you price a mineral, metal or timber shipment.
Sources: Zambia Revenue Authority, customs and excise tariff, January 2026 (opens in a new tab); WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 31, 2026
Export restrictions on maize
The WTO says Zambia restricted maize exports in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 to manage prices, and the 2025/26 harvest was a record 4.9 million tonnes.
What to do: Ask the trade ministry whether a maize export restriction is in force before you sign a sales contract.
Sources: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab); Bank of Zambia, Monetary Policy Committee statement, September 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
Currency and settlement
Domestic payments must be settled in kwacha from December 26, 2025, and the central bank tracks export proceeds through its Export Proceeds Tracking Framework.
What to do: Price domestic sales in kwacha, and receive export proceeds through a Zambian bank.
Source: Bank of Zambia, Zambanker journal, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of December 26, 2025
Logistics and border performance
Zambia is landlocked, and since February 2024 six agencies work at border posts instead of 18, the WTO says.
What to do: Allow for a customs broker and for all six agencies when you schedule a shipment.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Zambia, Secretariat report, August 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 19, 2025
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Zambia project.
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Promote:Zambia is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.