Paper articles imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of paper articles by Kenya reached $11.9 million in 2024 (3.2 thousand tonnes). Value fell 4% from 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 | $11.9M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $12.4M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $8.5M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $9.1M | 2.6K t |
| 2020 | $7.0M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $12.4M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $10.8M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 3.4K t |
Where Kenya imports paper articles from
The largest suppliers were China (44%), Spain (16%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, Morocco grew fastest (+363% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.3M | 44% |
| Spain | $1.9M | 16% |
| India | $1.8M | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $1.2M | 10% |
| Morocco | $340K | 2.9% |
| Sri Lanka | $274K | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $170K | 1.4% |
| United States | $157K | 1.3% |
| Indonesia | $135K | 1.1% |
| Italy | $112K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 4823
| 4823.20 | Filter paper articles (molded/pressed) | 50% |
| 4823.90 | Paper and pulp articles (other) | 33% |
| 4823.69 | Disposable paper tableware | 10% |
| 4823.40 | Paper and paperboard: rolls, sheets and dials, printed for self-recording apparatus | 4.5% |
| 4823.70 | Molded paper pulp articles | 1.5% |
| 4823.61 | Disposable bamboo paper tableware | 0.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4823.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.74 per kg, 33% above the world average of $2.82. 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.
Paper articles exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $556 thousand of paper articles in 2024 (176 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (26%), Rwanda (22%), Uganda (19%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+542% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $142K | 26% |
| Rwanda | $121K | 22% |
| Uganda | $108K | 19% |
| Sudan | $65K | 12% |
| United Arab Emirates | $22K | 4% |
| Sri Lanka | $15K | 2.7% |
| Mali | $15K | 2.6% |
| South Sudan | $12K | 2.2% |
| Ethiopia | $11K | 1.9% |
| Somalia | $10K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya paper articles imports (HS 4823): 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 4823: Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibres; cut to size or shape, articles of paper pulp, paper and paper-board, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres, n.e.c. in chapter 48.
Common questions
What is the value of paper articles imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported paper articles worth $11.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 88th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply paper articles to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($5.3 million), followed by Spain (16%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 75%, out of 54 supplier countries in total. Morocco grew fastest among the top ten, up 363% on the year.
What is the average import price of paper articles per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.74 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $2.82 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of paper articles to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $11.9 million in 2024, an increase of 21%. The peak was 2023 at $12.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $10.3 million a year.
Does Kenya also export paper articles?
Yes. Kenya exported $556 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $11.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for paper articles?
The HS code for paper articles is heading 4823. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 4823.20 (50% of the value) and 4823.90 (33%).
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
Paper articles product types in Kenya
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