Carbon and copy paper imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $4.9 million of carbon and copy paper in 2024 (3.3 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 8% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $6.6 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 | 3.3K t |
| 2023 | $4.5M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $5.2M | 2.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.6M | 3.8K t |
| 2020 | $5.0M | 3.0K t |
| 2019 | $3.9M | 2.4K t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 3.4K t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 2.5K t |
Where Kenya imports carbon and copy paper from
One supplier dominates: Egypt accounted for 52% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+37% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $2.5M | 52% |
| China | $1.2M | 25% |
| Indonesia | $831K | 17% |
| Thailand | $87K | 1.8% |
| South Korea | $71K | 1.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $36K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 0.4% |
| Netherlands | $18K | 0.4% |
| India | $12K | 0.2% |
| Malaysia | $7K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 4809
| 4809.20 | Carbonless (self-copy) paper | 92% |
| 4809.90 | Carbon paper and transfer paper | 8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4809.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.48 per kg, close to the world average of $1.81.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Carbon and copy paper exports from Kenya
Exports of carbon and copy paper by Kenya reached $826 thousand in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Uganda accounted for 96% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+148% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $789K | 96% |
| Burundi | $27K | 3.3% |
| Rwanda | $9K | 1.1% |
| Indonesia | $0K | 0% |
| Seychelles | $0K | 0% |
| DR Congo | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya carbon and copy paper imports (HS 4809): 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 4809: Carbon paper, self copy paper, and other copying or transfer papers (including coated or impregnated paper for duplicator stencils or offset plates), whether or not printed, in rolls or sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of carbon and copy paper imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported carbon and copy paper worth $4.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 211 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 8% on 2023.
Which countries supply carbon and copy paper to Kenya?
Egypt was the largest supplier with 52% of the value ($2.5 million), followed by China (25%) and Indonesia (17%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 13 supplier countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 195% on the year.
What is the average import price of carbon and copy paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.48 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $1.81 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of carbon and copy paper to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $4.9 million in 2024, an increase of 42%. The peak was 2021 at $6.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.8 million a year.
Does Kenya also export carbon and copy paper?
Yes. Kenya exported $826 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $4.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for carbon and copy paper?
The HS code for carbon and copy paper is heading 4809. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 4809.20 (92% of the value) and 4809.90 (8%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Kenya reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World carbon and copy paper trade: top importers and exporters
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