Toilet paper and tissues imports in Botswana: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Botswana imported toilet paper and tissues worth $17.3 million (7.0 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17.3M | 7.0K t |
| 2023 | $18.5M | 8.0K t |
| 2022 | $16.7M | 8.8K t |
| 2021 | $16.3M | 7.8K t |
| 2020 | $14.8M | 8.5K t |
| 2019 | $13.7M | 7.8K t |
| 2018 | $11.8M | 5.1K t |
| 2017 | $11.7M | 5.6K t |
Where Botswana imports toilet paper and tissues from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 99% of the value.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $17.2M | 99% |
| Thailand | $72K | 0.4% |
| China | $39K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $4K | 0% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0% |
| India | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 4818
| 4818.10 | Toilet paper | 78% |
| 4818.90 | Paper and cellulose articles (other) | 8.9% |
| 4818.20 | Facial tissues and paper towels | 8.3% |
| 4818.30 | Paper tablecloths and napkins | 4.4% |
| 4818.50 | Paper clothing and accessories | 0.5% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4818.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.49 per kg, close to the world average of $2.39.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toilet paper and tissues exports from Botswana
Botswana exported $404 thousand of toilet paper and tissues in 2024 (162 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zimbabwe accounted for 50% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+666% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | $203K | 50% |
| Zambia | $181K | 45% |
| Namibia | $20K | 4.9% |
| Norway | $0K | 0.1% |
| Seychelles | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Botswana?
The shipment records behind Botswana toilet paper and tissues imports (HS 4818): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Direct customs feed: shipment-level records from the official customs source.
Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 4818: Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper and tissues imported by Botswana?
Botswana imported toilet paper and tissues worth $17.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 84th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply toilet paper and tissues to Botswana?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 99% of the value ($17.2 million), followed by Thailand (0%) and China (0%). The top three together account for 100%, out of 6 supplier countries in total. Namibia grew fastest among the top ten, up 610% on the year.
What is the average import price of toilet paper and tissues per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.49 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of toilet paper and tissues to Botswana changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.7 million in 2017 to $17.3 million in 2024, an increase of 48%. The peak was 2023 at $18.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $15.1 million a year.
Does Botswana also export toilet paper and tissues?
Yes. Botswana exported $404 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. On balance Botswana is a net importer of this product, by about $16.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper and tissues?
The HS code for toilet paper and tissues is heading 4818. In Botswana the largest six-digit codes were 4818.10 (78% of the value) and 4818.90 (9%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Botswana. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World toilet paper and tissues trade: top importers and exporters
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.