Polyethylene imports in Rwanda: data, top suppliers and prices
Rwanda imported $7.8 million of polyethylene in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). Value fell 20% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $12.3 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 | $7.8M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $9.7M | 7.0K t |
| 2022 | $12.3M | 8.4K t |
| 2021 | $10.7M | 6.4K t |
| 2020 | $6.9M | 5.8K t |
| 2019 | $6.4M | 5.1K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 6.4K t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 1.2K t |
Where Rwanda imports polyethylene from
The largest suppliers were Saudi Arabia (44%), Kenya (26%), Uganda (12%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+67% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $3.4M | 44% |
| Kenya | $2.1M | 26% |
| Uganda | $937K | 12% |
| China | $810K | 10% |
| India | $376K | 4.8% |
| United States | $110K | 1.4% |
| Tanzania | $101K | 1.3% |
| Sri Lanka | $2K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 37% |
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 28% |
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 23% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 12% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.20 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Rwanda?
The shipment records behind Rwanda polyethylene imports (HS 3901): 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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by Rwanda?
Rwanda imported polyethylene worth $7.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 139th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to Rwanda?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Kenya (26%) and Uganda (12%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. Sri Lanka grew fastest among the top ten, up 83% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.20 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.22 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene to Rwanda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $7.8 million in 2024, an increase of 455%. The peak was 2022 at $12.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In Rwanda the largest six-digit codes were 3901.30 (37% of the value) and 3901.10 (28%).
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 Rwanda. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in Rwanda
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