Trading Partner Portal: Zambia
Trade Overview
The Republic of Zambia is a south-central African country that is rich with natural resources. Mining has been one of larger economic industries, specifically in copper, but it has begun to diversify its economy in industries such as energy, infrastructure, information & communication technologies, travel and tourism, and agriculture.
It is a politically stable, multi-party democracy with a population, currently 21.91 million people as of 2025, that is expected to double by 2050. It’s GDP is $28.88 billion according to the World Bank, with GDP per capita equaling $1,317.9. Zambia’s GDP dropped in 2024 to $26 billion from about $30 billion due to the severe 2024 drought in the country’s history, which adversely affected the growth of all sectors.
It is bordered by eight nations, offering market access to over 350 million consumers in SADC and COMESA. With 70% of its population under the age of 30 and reforms under the 2022 ZDA Act, it has begun to be a premier hub of trade and investment in Africa.
U.S. – Zambia Trade
Two-way goods trade between the United States and Zambia totaled $433 million in 2025. Goods exports from the U.S. to Zambia equaled $111 million. Top exports were non-electrical machinery ($53 million), plastics & rubber products ($13 million), transportation equipment ($8 million), computer & electronic products ($8 million), and other special classification provisions ($7 million).
In this same year, goods imports totaled $322 million. The top imports from Zambia to the U.S. were primary metals manufactures ($249 million), miscellaneous manufactures ($41 million), agricultural products ($24 million), goods returned ($5 million), and livestock & livestock products (less than $1 million).
California – Zambia Trade
As of 2025, total goods exports from the U.S. to Zambia equaled $2 million. Computer and electronic products were the largest export category, totaling $1 million. other top imports included non-electrical machinery ($587,000), chemicals ($68,000), transportation equipment ($67,000), and miscellaneous manufactures ($46,000)
Goods imports in this same year from Zambia to California totaled $40 million. Top imports were primary metal manufactures ($29 million), agricultural products ($7 million), miscellaneous manufactures ($5 million), used or secondhand merchandise ($136,000), and goods returned ($49,000).
FDI – Zambia
Zambia is open to foreign direct investment and U.S. interest lie in many of its sectors, especially in mining. Zambia has signed bilateral investment treaties with 16 different countries, with 10 in force and 6 pending. Its primary investment sectors are mining and critical minerals, green energy and power, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The U.S.’s direct investment position increased in 2025 by just over 14%, making its total outward position in Zambia to $97 million. BEA
Zambia holds as the 7th largest copper producer globally, with 6% of local reserves, and 20% or the worlds emeralds. It also holds critical minerals such as cobalt, uranium, and hydrocarbons. Its green energy and power sector is one of the fastest growing with the Zambian government estimating roughly 6,000 MW of unexploited hydro potential, 2,300 MW for solar, and 3, 000 MW of wind generation capacity. Its electricity demand grows roughly 3% annually.
Its agricultural sector is also growing with the Zambia holding 42 million hectares of arable land, with only 1.5 million cultivated. This is highlighted as well, because Zambia holds 40% of all water resources in SADC. Its manufacturing sector contributes 8% to GDP, with a focus on food, textiles, wood, paper, chemicals, and light industrials.
Zambia’s tourism industry is also growing, primarily in eco-tourism, as it holds the Victoria falls, an UNESCO World Heritage site, and 20 national parks spanning 23 million hectares.
Zambia’s investment climate is especially notable for the following:
- Pro-Business Policies: No price, FX, or interest rate controls; 100% profit repatriation.
- Tax Incentives:
- 0% tax on export profits for tourism and mining companies.
- 0% tax on profits/dividends for companies in industrial parks.
- VAT refunds for manufacturing exports.
- 10-year carry-forward for mining losses.
- Claim, on a straight-line basis, wear and tear at an accelerated rate not exceeding one hundred percent (100%) in respect of any new implement, plant or machinery.
- Market Access: Preferential access through AGOA, AfCFTA, and regional blocs
Other Articles:
Guideline on Facilitation and registration of investment in Zambia (pdf.)