Facial tissues and paper towels exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Kenya exported facial tissues and paper towels worth $2.5 million (950 tonnes). Value fell 26% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 45% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $3.4 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.5M | 950 t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 2.0K t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $1.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 635 t |
| 2019 | $1.4M | 575 t |
| 2018 | $1.1M | 350 t |
| 2017 | $185K | 64 t |
Where Kenya exports facial tissues and paper towels to
The largest buyer markets were Uganda (49%), Tanzania (31%), Rwanda (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $1.3M | 49% |
| Tanzania | $779K | 31% |
| Rwanda | $300K | 12% |
| Zambia | $129K | 5.1% |
| France | $25K | 1% |
| Burundi | $17K | 0.7% |
| Malawi | $12K | 0.5% |
| South Sudan | $11K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $8K | 0.3% |
| DR Congo | $6K | 0.2% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.68 per kg, close to the world average of $2.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Facial tissues and paper towels imports to Kenya
In 2024, Kenya imported facial tissues and paper towels worth $1.3 million (869 tonnes). One supplier dominates: China accounted for 71% of the value. Among the main suppliers, France grew fastest (+61% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $917K | 71% |
| United Kingdom | $112K | 8.6% |
| Egypt | $67K | 5.2% |
| France | $51K | 3.9% |
| Germany | $31K | 2.4% |
| Netherlands | $22K | 1.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $20K | 1.5% |
| Malaysia | $15K | 1.2% |
| Bangladesh | $15K | 1.2% |
| Bahrain | $11K | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya facial tissues and paper towels exports (HS 4818.20): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 4818.20: Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels.
Common questions
What is the value of facial tissues and paper towels exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported facial tissues and paper towels worth $2.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 950 tonnes. That ranks it 64th of 169 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 26% on 2023.
Which countries buy facial tissues and paper towels from Kenya?
Uganda was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Tanzania (31%) and Rwanda (12%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 22 buyer countries in total. Rwanda grew fastest among the top ten, up 182% on the year.
What is the average export price of facial tissues and paper towels per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.68 per kg in 2024, 17% above the world average of $2.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have exports of facial tissues and paper towels from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $185 thousand in 2017 to $2.5 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $3.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.8 million a year.
Does Kenya also import facial tissues and paper towels?
Yes. Kenya imported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, the United Kingdom and Egypt. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $1.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for facial tissues and paper towels?
The HS code for facial tissues and paper towels is subheading 4818.20. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4818 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Kenya, 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
World facial tissues and paper towels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Kenya
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