Synthetic tow imports in Nigeria: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Nigeria imported synthetic tow worth $45.2 million (10.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 7th largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 167 countries. That is 27% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $97.9 million.
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 | $45.2M | 10.4K t |
| 2023 | $61.9M | 14.4K t |
| 2022 | $61.3M | 13.2K t |
| 2021 | $97.9M | 20.0K t |
| 2020 | $61.9M | 13.0K t |
| 2019 | $82.3M | 17.4K t |
| 2018 | $65.4M | 11.3K t |
| 2017 | $50.5M | 10.1K t |
Where Nigeria imports synthetic tow from
Japan alone supplied 81% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $36.6M | 81% |
| Malaysia | $2.7M | 6% |
| South Korea | $2.1M | 4.5% |
| South Africa | $1.5M | 3.2% |
| China | $1.3M | 2.8% |
| Portugal | $368K | 0.8% |
| Singapore | $339K | 0.8% |
| Kenya | $267K | 0.6% |
| India | $130K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $33K | 0.1% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.30 | Acrylic filament tow | 81% |
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow (other) | 12% |
| 5501.20 | Polyester filament tow | 6.2% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.36 per kg, 39% above the world average of $3.14. 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.
Synthetic tow exports from Nigeria
Exports of synthetic tow by Nigeria reached $394 thousand in 2024 (99 tonnes). Kenya alone took 73% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+567% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $290K | 74% |
| South Africa | $54K | 14% |
| Eswatini | $50K | 13% |
| Niger | $1K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Nigeria?
The shipment records behind Nigeria synthetic tow imports (HS 5501): 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by Nigeria?
Nigeria imported synthetic tow worth $45.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 167 countries worldwide, with 5% of world imports. The value was down 27% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to Nigeria?
Japan was the largest supplier with 81% of the value ($36.6 million), followed by Malaysia (6%) and South Korea (5%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 166% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.36 per kg in 2024, 39% above the world average of $3.14 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic tow to Nigeria changed since 2017?
Imports went from $50.5 million in 2017 to $45.2 million in 2024, a fall of 10%. The peak was 2021 at $97.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $65.8 million a year.
Does Nigeria also export synthetic tow?
Yes. Nigeria exported $394 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, South Africa and Eswatini. On balance Nigeria is a net importer of this product, by about $44.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In Nigeria the largest six-digit codes were 5501.30 (81% of the value) and 5501.90 (12%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Nigeria 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
Synthetic tow product types in Nigeria
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