Paperboard boxes and cartons imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of paperboard boxes and cartons by Kenya reached $33.9 million in 2024 (16.2 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average.
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 | $33.9M | 16.2K t |
| 2023 | $33.5M | 15.6K t |
| 2022 | $35.4M | 15.1K t |
| 2021 | $28.6M | 14.5K t |
| 2020 | $24.2M | 13.9K t |
| 2019 | $23.2M | 11.8K t |
| 2018 | $14.8M | 7.5K t |
| 2017 | $12.9M | 6.6K t |
Where Kenya imports paperboard boxes and cartons from
Most of the value came from India (33%), Sri Lanka (27%), China (22%). Among the main suppliers, Hong Kong grew fastest (+168% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $11.1M | 33% |
| Sri Lanka | $9.0M | 27% |
| China | $7.4M | 22% |
| Egypt | $2.6M | 7.6% |
| Hong Kong | $946K | 2.8% |
| Sweden | $719K | 2.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $601K | 1.8% |
| United Kingdom | $345K | 1% |
| Netherlands | $181K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $168K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 4819
| 4819.10 | Corrugated cardboard boxes and cartons | 42% |
| 4819.20 | Folding cartons (non-corrugated) | 39% |
| 4819.40 | Small paper sacks and bags | 14% |
| 4819.50 | Paper packing containers and sleeves | 2.1% |
| 4819.30 | Large paper sacks and bags | 1.4% |
| 4819.60 | Office storage boxes and filing materials | 1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4819.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.09 per kg, close to the world average of $2.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Paperboard boxes and cartons exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported paperboard boxes and cartons worth $20.9 million (8.3 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (29%), Uganda (27%), Egypt (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Turkey grew fastest (+87% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya paperboard boxes and cartons imports (HS 4819): 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 4819: Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like.
Common questions
What is the value of paperboard boxes and cartons imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported paperboard boxes and cartons worth $33.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 90th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply paperboard boxes and cartons to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($11.1 million), followed by Sri Lanka (27%) and China (22%). The top three together account for 81%, out of 64 supplier countries in total. Hong Kong grew fastest among the top ten, up 168% on the year.
What is the average import price of paperboard boxes and cartons per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.09 per kg in 2024, 12% below the world average of $2.38 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of paperboard boxes and cartons to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.9 million in 2017 to $33.9 million in 2024, an increase of 163%. The peak was 2022 at $35.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.8 million a year.
Does Kenya also export paperboard boxes and cartons?
Yes. Kenya exported $20.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Uganda and Egypt. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $13.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for paperboard boxes and cartons?
The HS code for paperboard boxes and cartons is heading 4819. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 4819.10 (42% of the value) and 4819.20 (39%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Kenya. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World paperboard boxes and cartons trade: top importers and exporters
Paperboard boxes and cartons product types in Kenya
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