Zambia recorded a significant rise in refined copper exports in the first quarter of 2025, with volumes climbing to 283,500 tonnes from 241,100 tonnes in the same period last year. The increase represents a notable 17.6 percent year-on-year growth, reinforcing copper’s continued dominance as the country’s key export commodity.
The data, released by the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats), highlights a dynamic performance in copper export volumes despite a slight dip in earnings due to fluctuating global prices. Acting statistician-general Sheila Mudenda, in a report presented by Chief Statistician Chola Daka, revealed that while volumes rose, export earnings from refined copper decreased by 0.3 percent—from K19.7 billion in March to K19.6 billion in April 2025.
“Refined copper export volumes increased by 1.6 percent, from 71,200 tonnes in March to 72,300 tonnes in April 2025,” Mudenda stated. She attributed the slight revenue decline to weaker copper prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME), where the average price per tonne dropped by 5.5 percent—from US$9,731.1 in March to US$9,192.1 in April.
The global price dip had a broader impact on Zambia’s total traditional export (TE) earnings, which dropped by 0.8 percent from K19.8 billion in March to K19.7 billion in April. This underscores the vulnerability of resource-driven economies like Zambia to international commodity price fluctuations, even in periods of rising production.
Despite the earnings dip, analysts view the increase in copper export volumes as a positive indicator of improved mining sector productivity and operational efficiency. Industry watchers also believe that Zambia’s ongoing efforts to restructure mining policies and attract new investments are beginning to yield tangible results.
Copper, which accounts for more than 70 percent of Zambia’s export revenue, remains the backbone of the nation’s economy. The government continues to pursue strategic reforms aimed at maximizing benefits from the sector, including enhancing production capacity, ensuring transparency in mineral trade, and negotiating fairer deals with international buyers.
As Zambia eyes broader economic recovery and growth, the strong performance in copper exports offers a glimmer of optimism. However, continued monitoring of global price trends and robust economic diversification strategies will be key to cushioning the country from external market shocks in the long term.