Tissue paper imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported tissue paper worth $46.4 million (36.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 13% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 39% 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 | $46.4M | 36.8K t |
| 2023 | $41.2M | 32.3K t |
| 2022 | $51.3M | 33.7K t |
| 2021 | $46.2M | 40.5K t |
| 2020 | $36.7M | 32.8K t |
| 2019 | $41.0M | 33.6K t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 5.0K t |
| 2017 | $4.5M | 4.2K t |
Where Kenya imports tissue paper from
One supplier dominates: Egypt accounted for 57% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tunisia grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $26.6M | 57% |
| Tunisia | $14.3M | 31% |
| China | $3.2M | 6.9% |
| Indonesia | $1.1M | 2.3% |
| India | $495K | 1.1% |
| Greece | $172K | 0.4% |
| Vietnam | $105K | 0.2% |
| Turkey | $102K | 0.2% |
| Uganda | $92K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $81K | 0.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.26 per kg, close to the world average of $1.38.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Tissue paper exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $544 thousand of tissue paper in 2024 (421 tonnes). Most of it went to Uganda (46%), Tanzania (37%), Rwanda (6%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $249K | 46% |
| Tanzania | $201K | 37% |
| Rwanda | $35K | 6.4% |
| Ethiopia | $25K | 4.6% |
| Madagascar | $14K | 2.5% |
| DR Congo | $8K | 1.5% |
| South Sudan | $6K | 1.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $3K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0.5% |
| Cyprus | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya tissue paper imports (HS 4803): 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 4803: Tissue, towel, napkin stock or similar; for household or sanitary uses, cellulose wadding, webs of cellulose fibres, in rolls over 36cm in width or rectangular sheets with one side exceeding 36cm when unfolded.
Common questions
What is the value of tissue paper imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported tissue paper worth $46.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 36.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 222 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply tissue paper to Kenya?
Egypt was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($26.6 million), followed by Tunisia (31%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 95%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 189% on the year.
What is the average import price of tissue paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $1.38 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of tissue paper to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.5 million in 2017 to $46.4 million in 2024, an increase of 922%. The peak was 2022 at $51.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $34.1 million a year.
Does Kenya also export tissue paper?
Yes. Kenya exported $544 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $45.8 million a year.
What is the HS code for tissue paper?
The HS code for tissue paper is heading 4803. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 4803.00. 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 4803 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.
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