What Are The Imports And Exports Of Zambia?

Quick Fact
Zambia’s 2025 export earnings hit $12.4 billion, with copper and cobalt leading the way. Switzerland took 42% of those exports, China grabbed 14%, and South Africa 11%. By 2026, the country’s GDP reached $31.3 billion—three-quarters of which came from mineral sales.

- Zambia exports copper, cobalt, tobacco, gemstones, sugar, and electricity; imports refined and crude petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and fertilizers.

Zambia sits smack in the middle of south-central Africa, landlocked by eight neighbors across 752,612 square kilometers. Its famous Copperbelt crosses the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it one of the world’s richest mining districts. The Zambezi River—all 2,574 km of it—starts in Angola, cuts through Zambia, and empties into Mozambique. That river isn’t just scenery; it powers hydroelectric plants that keep the lights on at home and send electricity across borders. At 15°20′S, 28°15′E, Zambia acts like the region’s unofficial trade concierge, even without a coastline.

- Zambia exported $12.4 billion and imported $11.8 billion in 2025.

Zambia exported $12.4 billion worth of goods in 2025 and imported $11.8 billion. Copper and cobalt alone made up 73% of those export dollars, while refined petroleum soaked up 22% of import spending. The trade gap shrank from $1.1 billion in 2023 to just $0.6 billion in 2025, thanks to firmer copper prices and lower fuel imports.

- Switzerland (42%), China (14%), and South Africa (11%) are Zambia’s top export partners; South Africa (25%), China (18%), UAE (12%), and India (8%) lead imports.

Switzerland, China, and South Africa dominate Zambia’s export market. Switzerland alone takes 42% of Zambia’s exports, China 14%, and South Africa 11%. For imports, South Africa leads at 25%, followed by China at 18%, the UAE at 12%, and India at 8%.

- Mineral exports supply nearly 75% of Zambia’s foreign earnings.

Mineral exports supply nearly 75% of Zambia’s foreign earnings. Copper and cobalt together account for 73% of total export value, which is why price swings in these metals can swing the whole economy.

- Zambia’s trade deficit narrowed from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $0.6 billion in 2025.

Zambia’s trade deficit narrowed from $1.1 billion in 2023 to $0.6 billion in 2025. Stronger copper prices and a drop in fuel imports did most of the heavy lifting. That’s a big turnaround from the deficits earlier in the decade.

- Copper and cobalt lead Zambia’s exports, followed by tobacco, gemstones, sugar, and electricity.

Copper and cobalt lead the pack, followed by tobacco, gemstones, sugar, and electricity. Copper’s been the star since commercial mining began in 1928, and cobalt’s now stepping into the spotlight thanks to new high-grade deposits.

- Refined petroleum, crude petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and fertilizers are Zambia’s biggest imports.

Refined petroleum, crude petroleum, machinery, vehicles, and fertilizers are Zambia’s biggest imports. Fuel makes up a big chunk of that bill, while machinery and vehicles keep the factories and farms running.

- Copper supplies three-quarters of Zambia’s export earnings and has funded independence and modern development.

Copper isn’t just important—it’s the backbone of Zambia’s economy. The metal funded independence in 1964 and still supplies three-quarters of export earnings today. When copper prices dip, the whole country feels it.

- Zambia’s copper industry began in 1928 at Roan Antelope mine, revived by $3.2 billion in cobalt investment since 2020.

Zambia’s copper industry began in 1928 at Roan Antelope mine. By 1964, copper revenues bankrolled independence from Britain. The 1970s oil shocks and collapsing copper prices nearly sank the economy, forcing painful structural adjustments in the 1990s. Now, fresh cobalt finds in the Konkola Basin have brought in $3.2 billion from Chinese and Australian investors since 2020.

- Cobalt investment in Zambia’s Konkola Basin totaled $3.2 billion since 2020, reviving the mining sector.

Cobalt is having a moment in Zambia. High-grade deposits in the Konkola Basin have attracted $3.2 billion in investment from Chinese and Australian firms since 2020. That’s breathing new life into the mining sector after decades of struggle.

- Zambia’s trade policies, including a 2022 single-use plastics ban, reduce environmental harm from mining and logistics.

Zambia’s trade choices ripple through its environment. The 2022 ban on single-use plastics—part of a wider United Nations push—cut river siltation around Lusaka. That indirectly helps hydroelectric plants at Kariba and Kafue Gorge run cleaner. Mining itself still leaves scars, but cleaner trade policies are starting to help.

- Most travelers need a visa on arrival for $50 or a 30-day business visa for $150; CDC recommends malaria prophylaxis and yellow-fever vaccination for border regions.

Most travelers need a visa on arrival for $50, or a 30-day business visa for $150. As of March 2026, health rules from the CDC require malaria prophylaxis and yellow-fever vaccination if you’re heading to border regions.

- Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) connects to Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, and Istanbul; daily connections reach Livingstone for Victoria Falls.

Fly into Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) from Johannesburg, Nairobi, Dubai, or Istanbul. From there, hop on daily connections to Livingstone for Victoria Falls. It’s straightforward—just book the right flight path.

- In cities, 24-hour public transport works; rural travel requires 4x4; highways outside the Copperbelt are rough.

In cities like Lusaka and Kitwe, 24-hour public transport works fine. But once you leave town, rural roads turn to dirt. If you’re heading north for safaris, a 4x4 is practically a must. Don’t expect smooth highways outside the Copperbelt.

- The kwacha trades around 22 ZMW per US dollar as of 2026.

The kwacha trades around 22 ZMW per US dollar. That rate makes it easy to compare costs, whether you’re buying a meal in Lusaka or fuel in Ndola. Just check the rate before you land—it can shift fast.