Printed books imports in Rwanda: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Rwanda imported printed books worth $3.8 million (586 tonnes). That is 47% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2023, at $7.2 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 | $3.8M | 586 t |
| 2023 | $7.2M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $4.7M | 750 t |
| 2021 | $3.4M | 547 t |
| 2020 | $3.7M | 1.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.4M | 658 t |
| 2018 | $5.1M | 1.3K t |
| 2017 | $3.5M | 530 t |
Where Rwanda imports printed books from
Most of the value came from Kenya (20%), United Kingdom (20%), South Africa (17%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $769K | 20% |
| United Kingdom | $759K | 20% |
| South Africa | $630K | 17% |
| South Korea | $534K | 14% |
| China | $340K | 9% |
| France | $260K | 6.9% |
| Finland | $187K | 5% |
| United States | $67K | 1.8% |
| Belgium | $60K | 1.6% |
| Lebanon | $43K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 4901
| 4901.99 | Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 | 86% |
| 4901.10 | Printed single sheets and leaflets | 10% |
| 4901.91 | Printed dictionaries and encyclopaedias | 3.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.43 per kg, 32% below the world average of $9.39, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Rwanda?
The shipment records behind Rwanda printed books imports (HS 4901): 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 4901: Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of printed books imported by Rwanda?
Rwanda imported printed books worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 586 tonnes. That ranks it 132nd of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 47% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed books to Rwanda?
Kenya was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($769 thousand), followed by the United Kingdom (20%) and South Africa (17%). The top three together account for 57%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 55% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed books per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.43 per kg in 2024, 32% below the world average of $9.39 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of printed books to Rwanda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.5 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, an increase of 7%. The peak was 2023 at $7.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed books?
The HS code for printed books is heading 4901. In Rwanda the largest six-digit codes were 4901.99 (86% of the value) and 4901.10 (10%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Rwanda, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
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