Main Export Items Coffee Production in Zambia Copper and cobalt are Zambia's traditional exports. However, the export earnings from these two commodities have fallen and the government has actively encouraged the growth of non-traditional exports. In 1998 over two thirds of all Zambia's exports comprised of exports of primary commodities with metals, notably copper and cobalt accounting for the overwhelming amount. The other third of Zambia's exports were manufactured goods. The export of primary commodities either in their raw state or having undergone some processing means that there is a relative small amount of value added by the producing nation.
Further processing takes place in the importing country.
It is in these countries that the extra added value achieved by manufacturing and distribution earns importing firms greater profits. Some economists argue that LDCs must look to develop the manufacturing sector of their economy so as to engage in higher value added and profitable production. However this requires investment, and improved access to the markets in the MDCs. The major imports to Zambia include capital equipment for the mining sector, crude oil, and fertiliser. Other imports, including consumer goods, have increased as a share of total imports - from around 40 per cent in 1992 to over 60 per cent in 1996.