Business Times (ZBT) shows that Zambia exported […]

Business Times (ZBT) shows that Zambia exported copper anodes worth K1.2 billion to China in March 2026, cementing copper’s status as the country’s leading export commodity to Asia’s largest economy.

The report further indicates that Zambia’s total exports to China for March stood at K2.4 billion. Other key products exported included high-purity copper cathodes valued at K729.7 million, copper blisters at K146.2 million, and zinc concentrates worth K100.8 million.

China ranked as Zambia’s fourth-largest export destination for March, accounting for 9.6% of overall export earnings. Copper anodes for electrolytic refining made up 50% of Zambia’s total export revenue from China during the period. A comparative look at February data places China as the third main export destination, responsible for 14.4% of export earnings, with copper anodes accounting for 61.5% of revenue from that market.

With the recent introduction of zero tariffs on Zambian exports to China, there is growing optimism that the country’s copper export earnings could rise even further. Financial expert Aquila Ngonga emphasized the need for Zambia to invest in research, development, and skills to shift from exporting raw minerals to high-value products.

 “While expanding production volumes is important, the most crucial aspect is ensuring that our exports have high value, which could mean shifting away from traditional mineral exports and converting them into tech products and other value-added goods,” Ngonga told ZBT.

Ngonga noted that countries investing in advanced manufacturing and innovation have experienced stronger economic growth. “If Zambia is to overcome the debt crisis and boost domestic resource mobilization, we must invest in industrial capacity and become an export beacon for the region and beyond.”

Experts agree that while copper remains Zambia’s dominant export to China, leveraging policy changes and investing in value addition and innovation will be vital to driving sustainable growth and maximizing export earnings.

Article on Justine Phiri