Zambia Trade Balance
External balance on goods and services NE.RSB.GNFS.CD
Zambia's trade balance was $1.2B in 2025, ranked 65th globally. This represents a 36.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1994–2025.
Overview
Zambia's trade balance stood at $1.2B in 2025, a decline of +$688.6M from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach $1.2B by 2025. Zambia ranked 65th globally.
Zambia’s trade balance has swung dramatically over the 32‑year series, moving from a modest deficit of –27,418,875.33 in 1994 to a surplus of 1,191,117,048.34 in 2025, ranking 65th globally. The apex of the surplus occurred in 2021 when the balance reached 4,026,777,847.90, while the deepest deficit was recorded in 2015 at –1,187,564,142.68, reflecting the volatility of commodity‑driven exports and fluctuating import demand. Compared with regional peers, Zambia’s 2025 surplus exceeds South Africa’s 983,297,215.41 but falls short of Ghana’s 1,499,076,342.91, suggesting a moderate position within Southern Africa’s trade performance. The sustained improvement since the 2015 trough indicates that higher copper prices and diversification of export markets have reinforced earnings, yet future shifts in global commodity cycles or exchange‑rate pressures could alter the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Balance | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | $295.3M | - | - |
| 2026* trend | $743.2M | - | - |
| 2025* trend | $1.2B | - | - |
| 2025 | $1.2B | −$688.6M | #65 |
| 2024 | $1.9B | +$928.2M | #101 |
| 2023 | $951.5M | −$2.3B | #110 |
| 2022 | $3.2B | −$792.3M | #135 |
| 2021 | $4.0B | +$1.4B | #136 |
| 2020 | $2.6B | +$2.5B | #139 |
| 2019 | $112.2M | −$157.9M | #111 |
| 2018 | $270.1M | +$684.0M | #116 |
| 2017 | $-414.0M | +$279.6M | #84 |
| 2016 | $-693.6M | +$494.0M | #79 |
| 2015 | $-1.2B | −$1.6B | #77 |
| 2014 | $393.8M | +$251.1M | #120 |
| 2013 | $142.8M | −$1.1B | #119 |
| 2012 | $1.2B | −$687.6M | #124 |
| 2011 | $1.9B | +$79.8M | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw trade balance improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's trade balance was $1.2B in 2025. Ranked 65th globally. This represents a 36.6% decrease from the previous year.
Zambia's trade balance peaked at $4.0B in 2021.
The lowest trade balance in Zambia was $-1.2B in 2015.
Zambia ranks 65th globally in trade balance as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.RSB.GNFS.CD. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's trade balance is projected to reach $1.2B by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
Zambia's trade balance was approximately 1.19 billion ($1.2B) in 2025.
The trade balance of Zambia in 2025 was $1.2B. This ranks 65th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_trade-balance,
title = {Zambia Trade Balance},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/trade-balance/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}