Toilet paper and tissues imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported toilet paper and tissues worth $8.8 million (5.4 thousand tonnes). Value rose 37% on 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 | $8.8M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $6.4M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $4.8M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2020 | $4.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2019 | $6.7M | 4.1K t |
| 2018 | $6.6M | 2.3K t |
| 2017 | $9.5M | 3.2K t |
Where Kenya imports toilet paper and tissues from
China alone supplied 60% of it. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $5.3M | 60% |
| Egypt | $2.0M | 23% |
| Tunisia | $473K | 5.4% |
| United Kingdom | $258K | 2.9% |
| India | $166K | 1.9% |
| Netherlands | $115K | 1.3% |
| Indonesia | $87K | 1% |
| France | $81K | 0.9% |
| Vietnam | $61K | 0.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $42K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 4818
| 4818.90 | Paper and cellulose articles (other) | 45% |
| 4818.10 | Toilet paper | 33% |
| 4818.20 | Facial tissues and paper towels | 15% |
| 4818.30 | Paper tablecloths and napkins | 6% |
| 4818.50 | Paper clothing and accessories | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4818.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.61 per kg, 33% below the world average of $2.39, which often means bulk or lower-grade product.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Toilet paper and tissues exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported toilet paper and tissues worth $6.6 million (2.7 thousand tonnes). Uganda alone took 50% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+47% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $3.3M | 50% |
| Rwanda | $1.2M | 18% |
| Tanzania | $1.1M | 16% |
| Malawi | $269K | 4.1% |
| DR Congo | $211K | 3.2% |
| South Sudan | $160K | 2.4% |
| Zambia | $141K | 2.1% |
| Ethiopia | $94K | 1.4% |
| Burundi | $39K | 0.6% |
| France | $25K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya toilet paper and tissues imports (HS 4818): 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 4818: Toilet paper, width 36cm or less or cut to size/shape; handkerchiefs, tissues, towels, serviettes, bed sheets and similar household or hospital articles, apparel and clothing accessories of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of toilet paper and tissues imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported toilet paper and tissues worth $8.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 107th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries supply toilet paper and tissues to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($5.3 million), followed by Egypt (23%) and Tunisia (5%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 47 supplier countries in total. The Netherlands grew fastest among the top ten, up 287% on the year.
What is the average import price of toilet paper and tissues per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.61 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $2.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of toilet paper and tissues to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.5 million in 2017 to $8.8 million in 2024, a fall of 8%. The peak was 2017 at $9.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.4 million a year.
Does Kenya also export toilet paper and tissues?
Yes. Kenya exported $6.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for toilet paper and tissues?
The HS code for toilet paper and tissues is heading 4818. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 4818.90 (45% of the value) and 4818.10 (33%).
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 toilet paper and tissues trade: top importers and exporters
Toilet paper and tissues product types in Kenya
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