The balance of trade between the two nations is very stable and in 2013 Tanzania exported $92.7 million worth of goods to Zambia.

Zambia imports various products from Tanzania, mainly machinery, building material and processed foods.

[1] Zambia is a landlocked country and most of its goods are exported and imported through the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The railway was built to reduce economic dependence of Zambia on Rhodesia and South Africa, which was ruled by white minority government.

[3] The railway faced various operational difficulties since its incorporation and has always struggled to make a profit, however, in recent years both countries have stepped up efforts to ensure the sustainability of the company.