Zambia's Refined Copper Exports Rise 8.8% in First Seven Months

Zambia's refined copper export volumes for January to July 2026 rose by 8.8 percent to 521,400 tonnes, up from 479,400 tonnes over the same period in 2025, according to the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats).

The cumulative gain came despite a softer July. Monthly refined copper export volumes fell by 7.9 percent, from 81,700 tonnes in June to 75,300 tonnes in July, while export earnings from refined copper slipped 4.5 percent from K20 billion to K19.1 billion. The dip coincided with a marginal 0.4 percent fall in copper prices on the London Metal Exchange, from US$13,574.32 to US$13,525.17 per tonne.

Overall, Zambia's total trade value for the seven-month period stood at K359.2 billion, down 4.8 percent from K377.3 billion a year earlier. Total exports across all transport modes reached K194.7 billion, with road transport carrying the bulk at K186.6 billion, or 95.8 percent, followed by air and rail. Imports totalled K164.6 billion over the period.

For July alone, the country posted a trade surplus of K4.1 billion, slightly below June's K4.2 billion. Exports edged up 0.1 percent to K29.7 billion, which ZamStats attributed to stronger earnings from raw materials, capital goods and consumer goods, up 18.2 percent, 56.2 percent and 7.2 percent respectively. Imports rose 0.4 percent to K25.6 billion, driven by higher bills for intermediate goods, raw materials and capital goods.

The figures point to steady export momentum despite month-to-month price and volume fluctuations.