Black printing ink imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
Tanzania imported $2.7 million of black printing ink in 2024 (146 tonnes). That is 5% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.7M | 146 t |
| 2023 | $2.8M | 146 t |
| 2022 | $2.4M | 175 t |
| 2021 | $2.0M | 141 t |
| 2020 | $1.4M | 104 t |
| 2019 | $2.1M | 130 t |
| 2018 | $908K | 136 t |
| 2017 | $847K | 145 t |
Where Tanzania imports black printing ink from
One supplier dominates: Switzerland accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+45% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 58% |
| Netherlands | $391K | 15% |
| India | $253K | 9.4% |
| Kenya | $119K | 4.4% |
| China | $114K | 4.2% |
| South Africa | $81K | 3% |
| Italy | $31K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $26K | 1% |
| Germany | $20K | 0.7% |
| Japan | $18K | 0.7% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.53 per kg, 112% above the world average of $8.74. 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.
Black printing ink exports from Tanzania
Exports of black printing ink by Tanzania reached $299 thousand in 2024 (79 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 87% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Zambia grew fastest (+187% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $260K | 87% |
| Uganda | $31K | 10% |
| Kenya | $4K | 1.2% |
| Rwanda | $3K | 0.9% |
| South Africa | $2K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania black printing ink imports (HS 3215.11): 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 3215.11: Ink: for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of black printing ink imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported black printing ink worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 146 tonnes. That ranks it 71st of 215 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply black printing ink to Tanzania?
Switzerland was the largest supplier with 58% of the value ($1.6 million), followed by the Netherlands (15%) and India (9%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 22 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 262% on the year.
What is the average import price of black printing ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.53 per kg in 2024, 112% above the world average of $8.74 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of black printing ink to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $847 thousand in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, an increase of 218%. The peak was 2023 at $2.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
Does Tanzania also export black printing ink?
Yes. Tanzania exported $299 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Uganda and Kenya. On balance Tanzania is a net importer of this product, by about $2.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for black printing ink?
The HS code for black printing ink is subheading 3215.11. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3215 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Tanzania, 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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