Zambia: what does Turkey export there?

In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $13 million. The ten largest product groups made up 52.5% of that total, led by Stone Processing Machines; Mill Machinery; Processed Synthetic Staple Fibers.

Zambia: who are its main trading partners?

The three largest import partners are South Africa, DRC, China. The three largest export partners are Switzerland, China, India.

Zambia: what does the country import?

The three largest import products are Copper ore; Refined Petroleum; Cobalt Oxides. The three largest export products are Raw Copper; Refined Copper; Raw Tobacco.

Zambia: how big is the economy?

Population 17 million, GDP $25 billion, and $1,510 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.588.

Zambia: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?

The trade balance is +$1.21B in net exports.

Zambia: how do goods from Turkey reach it?

Zambia is landlocked. Goods from Turkey usually arrive through Dar es Salaam, Durban, Walvis Bay, Beira, Lobito and continue by road or rail under transit procedures.

Zambia: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?

Products covered by compulsory standards are regulated by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA).

Zambia: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?

Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Country Profiles

Zambia

The Republic of Zambia is located in South-Central Africa and it is bordered by Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Tanzania. The population of Zambia is 17 million and its GDP is $25 Billion.

Zambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and the current constitution is effective since 2016. English is the official language. Its capital city is Lusaka with a population of around 2 million people. The headquarter of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is located in Lusaka.

Zambia’s largest trade partners are Switzerland, China and South Africa. Zambia also has strong commercial relations with its border countries. It imports 58% of its products from other African countries. Zambia’s economy is driven by copper mining and processing. 74% of total exports is raw and refined copper.

Turkish Embassy in Zambia was opened very recently in 2011. Before the opening of embassy, Turkish embassies in Nairobi and Pretoria are accredited to Zambia. DEIK and Turkish Exporters’ Assembly are working closely with Zambian authorities to promote trade and investment between two countries. According to our research, construction sector has been developing rapidly in Zambia. Building and construction is the largest sector of Zambia comprising around 25% of the GDP and its growth rate is more than 10% each year. We advise Turkish companies to look for opportunities in contracting and construction materials.

Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Zambia with Turkey.

Four charts for Zambia. Population rises from about 10.5 million in 2000 to 17 million in 2017. GDP grows from about US$3 billion to a peak near US$28 billion in 2013, ending about US$26 billion. Total exports stay above imports, peaking near US$14 billion in 2014. Exports to Turkey spike to about US$112 million in 2011; imports from Turkey peak near US$55 million in 2015.

Turkey's exports to Zambia in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.

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Country at a glance

Capital city: Lusaka
Official language: English
Population: 17 million
GDP: $25 billion
GDP per capita: $1,510
Human Development Index: 0.588

Top 3 import partners: South Africa, DRC, China
Top 3 export partners: Switzerland, China, India
Top 3 import products: Copper ore, Refined Petroleum, Cobalt Oxides
Top 3 export products: Raw Copper, Refined Copper, Raw Tobacco
Trade balance: +$1.21B in net exports

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.

Zambia: practical trade guide

What a shipment between Turkey and this market needs, how the goods get there, and what to settle before you sign.

Gateway ports (landlocked): Dar es Salaam, Durban, Walvis Bay, Beira, Lobito
Currency: Zambian kwacha (ZMW)
Trade blocs: AfCFTA, SADC, COMESA
Trade agreement with Turkey: None in force: standard duties generally apply

Specific to Zambia

Products covered by compulsory standards are regulated by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA).

Standard documents

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of origin issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce
Insurance certificate when the Incoterm includes insurance (CIF, CIP)

Before you sign

Check the counterparty: registration, activity and references
Match the payment structure to the risk: advance or partial payment, documentary collection or a letter of credit
Confirm whether your product needs a certificate or registration in this market before production starts

Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: confirm the current rules for your product with your forwarder, the buyer's customs broker or us before shipping.

Turkey's exports to this market

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.

2008

$7 million

Top 10 products account for 74% of the total.

2008
Product	Share of total
Raw Iron Bars	22.7%
Industrial Food Preparation Machinery	18.6%
Other Iron Bars	8.8%
Iron Blocks	6.2%
Rubber Tires	5.2%
Sulfates	3.9%
Synthetic Filament Tow	2.8%
Electric Motors	2.2%
Tractors	1.8%
Vehicle Parts	1.7%

2017

$13 million

Top 10 products account for 52.5% of the total.

2017
Product	Share of total
Stone Processing Machines	19.8%
Mill Machinery	10.1%
Processed Synthetic Staple Fibers	5.1%
Large Iron Containers	3.3%
Steam Boilers	3%
Unglazed Ceramics	2.7%
Refrigerators	2.4%
Nitrogenous Fertilizers	2.3%
Vehicle Parts	1.9%
Forging Machines	1.8%

Frequently asked questions

Zambia: what does Turkey export there?: In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $13 million. The ten largest product groups made up 52.5% of that total, led by Stone Processing Machines; Mill Machinery; Processed Synthetic Staple Fibers.
Zambia: who are its main trading partners?: The three largest import partners are South Africa, DRC, China. The three largest export partners are Switzerland, China, India.
Zambia: what does the country import?: The three largest import products are Copper ore; Refined Petroleum; Cobalt Oxides. The three largest export products are Raw Copper; Refined Copper; Raw Tobacco.
Zambia: how big is the economy?: Population 17 million, GDP $25 billion, and $1,510 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.588.
Zambia: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?: The trade balance is +$1.21B in net exports.
Zambia: how do goods from Turkey reach it?: Zambia is landlocked. Goods from Turkey usually arrive through Dar es Salaam, Durban, Walvis Bay, Beira, Lobito and continue by road or rail under transit procedures.
Zambia: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?: Products covered by compulsory standards are regulated by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA).
Zambia: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?: Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Other country profiles

Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets