Economist Kelvin Chisanga has observed that Zambia’s export performance between 2024 and January 2026 has shown measurable growth in both value and trade volumes.
Chisanga highlighted that this trend signals a steady recovery supported by emerging structural adjustments in the economy.
He pointed out that in 2024, total merchandise exports were estimated at around US$11.2 to US$11.4 billion, largely driven by copper, which accounted for nearly two-thirds of total export earnings.
Chisanga explained that copper export volumes rose alongside production, exceeding 750,000 metric tonnes, while non-traditional exports contributed approximately US$4.0 to US$4.3 billion.
He noted that this reflects a growing trend in agricultural and agro-based trade volumes.
Chisanga further indicated that in 2025, export performance strengthened, with provisional data showing total exports rising to about US$12.5 to US$13.0 billion.
He attributed this to a sharp increase in copper production, which approached 820,000 to 850,000 metric tonnes, and higher physical export volumes.
Chisanga added that non-traditional exports continued to expand, with values estimated above US$4.5 billion, driven by increased tonnage of tobacco, sugar, cotton, and selected food products.
He remarked that these gains helped generate intermittent trade surpluses, despite a rise in import demand.
Chisanga stated that by January 2026, monthly export values remained firm, sitting above US$1.0 billion, supported by sustained mineral exports and steady agricultural flows.
He emphasised that while seasonal and price effects persist, the volume trend suggests improved productive capacity rather than purely price-driven growth.
Chisanga stressed that long-term resilience will depend on accelerating value addition, scaling up non-traditional exports, and strengthening trade logistics to reduce vulnerability to commodity cycles.
