Ink imports in Ethiopia: data, top suppliers and prices
Ethiopia imported $4.9 million of ink in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). That is 54% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $10.7 million.
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 | $4.9M | 1.2K t |
| 2023 | $10.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $6.0M | 1.3K t |
| 2019 | $7.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2018 | $4.4M | 525 t |
| 2017 | $3.5M | 608 t |
Where Ethiopia imports ink from
The largest suppliers were China (36%), Kenya (32%), India (10%). Among the main suppliers, Taiwan grew fastest (+109% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.7M | 36% |
| Kenya | $1.6M | 32% |
| India | $494K | 10% |
| Netherlands | $205K | 4.2% |
| Italy | $150K | 3.1% |
| Taiwan | $135K | 2.8% |
| Germany | $127K | 2.6% |
| Turkey | $105K | 2.2% |
| Spain | $90K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $72K | 1.5% |
Product types under HS 3215
| 3215.19 | Colored printing ink | 68% |
| 3215.90 | Writing and drawing ink | 21% |
| 3215.11 | Black printing ink | 12% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.20 per kg, 68% below the world average of $13.13, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Ethiopia?
The shipment records behind Ethiopia ink imports (HS 3215): 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 3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of ink imported by Ethiopia?
Ethiopia imported ink worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 106th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 54% on 2023.
Which countries supply ink to Ethiopia?
China was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by Kenya (32%) and India (10%). The top three together account for 78%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Taiwan grew fastest among the top ten, up 109% on the year.
What is the average import price of ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.20 per kg in 2024, 68% below the world average of $13.13 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of ink to Ethiopia changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.5 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 38%. The peak was 2023 at $10.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for ink?
The HS code for ink is heading 3215. In Ethiopia the largest six-digit codes were 3215.19 (68% of the value) and 3215.90 (21%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Ethiopia, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
Ink product types in Ethiopia
More trade data for Ethiopia
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