Mixed paper and cardboard waste imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported mixed paper and cardboard waste worth $2.8 million (9.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 132% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 131% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.8M | 9.5K t |
| 2023 | $1.2M | 6.6K t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 6.6K t |
| 2021 | $201K | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $136K | 821 t |
| 2019 | $838K | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $442K | 2.9K t |
| 2017 | $8K | 271 t |
Where Kenya imports mixed paper and cardboard waste from
Most of the value came from United States (32%), United Arab Emirates (12%), Taiwan (12%). Among the main suppliers, Uganda grew fastest (+912% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $906K | 32% |
| United Arab Emirates | $336K | 12% |
| Taiwan | $326K | 12% |
| Algeria | $191K | 6.7% |
| South Korea | $188K | 6.6% |
| Chile | $177K | 6.2% |
| Uganda | $167K | 5.9% |
| Hong Kong | $140K | 4.9% |
| Qatar | $118K | 4.2% |
| Saudi Arabia | $48K | 1.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.30 per kg, 67% above the world average of $0.18. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Mixed paper and cardboard waste exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $1.2 million of mixed paper and cardboard waste in 2024 (7.5 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Uganda accounted for 84% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+212% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $1.0M | 84% |
| Tanzania | $99K | 8.2% |
| India | $39K | 3.2% |
| Greece | $38K | 3.1% |
| Singapore | $17K | 1.4% |
| Rwanda | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya mixed paper and cardboard waste imports (HS 4707.90): 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 4707.90: Paper or paperboard: waste and scrap, of paper or paperboard n.e.c. in heading no. 4707 and of unsorted waste and scrap.
Common questions
What is the value of mixed paper and cardboard waste imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported mixed paper and cardboard waste worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 9.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 43rd of 150 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 132% on 2023.
Which countries supply mixed paper and cardboard waste to Kenya?
The United States was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($906 thousand), followed by the United Arab Emirates (12%) and Taiwan (12%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 912% on the year.
What is the average import price of mixed paper and cardboard waste per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.30 per kg in 2024, 67% above the world average of $0.18 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of mixed paper and cardboard waste to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8 thousand in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $958 thousand a year.
Does Kenya also export mixed paper and cardboard waste?
Yes. Kenya exported $1.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Tanzania and India. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $1.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste?
The HS code for mixed paper and cardboard waste is subheading 4707.90. It sits in HS chapter 47 (pulp of wood or other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4707 page.
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 mixed paper and cardboard waste trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Kenya
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