Ink imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Tanzania imported ink worth $8.2 million (1.4 thousand tonnes). Value fell 6% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 10% a year on average.
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 | $8.2M | 1.4K t |
| 2023 | $8.7M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $8.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2021 | $6.9M | 906 t |
| 2020 | $6.3M | 896 t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $5.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $4.1M | 910 t |
Where Tanzania imports ink from
Most of the value came from India (31%), Switzerland (19%), Kenya (13%). Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.6M | 31% |
| Switzerland | $1.6M | 19% |
| Kenya | $1.0M | 13% |
| China | $782K | 9.5% |
| Netherlands | $492K | 6% |
| United Arab Emirates | $365K | 4.5% |
| Turkey | $228K | 2.8% |
| South Africa | $226K | 2.8% |
| United States | $211K | 2.6% |
| Belgium | $171K | 2.1% |
Product types under HS 3215
| 3215.19 | Colored printing ink | 55% |
| 3215.11 | Black printing ink | 33% |
| 3215.90 | Writing and drawing ink | 12% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $5.69 per kg, 57% below the world average of $13.13, 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.
Ink exports from Tanzania
Exports of ink by Tanzania reached $491 thousand in 2024 (147 tonnes). One buyer market dominates: Zambia accounted for 63% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+112% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $311K | 63% |
| DR Congo | $52K | 11% |
| Uganda | $35K | 7.2% |
| Kenya | $34K | 6.9% |
| Mozambique | $29K | 5.9% |
| South Africa | $27K | 5.4% |
| Rwanda | $3K | 0.6% |
| Malawi | $1K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $0K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania ink imports (HS 3215): 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 3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of ink imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported ink worth $8.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 96th of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply ink to Tanzania?
India was the largest supplier with 31% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by Switzerland (19%) and Kenya (13%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 247% on the year.
What is the average import price of ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $5.69 per kg in 2024, 57% below the world average of $13.13 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of ink to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.1 million in 2017 to $8.2 million in 2024, an increase of 98%. The peak was 2023 at $8.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.8 million a year.
Does Tanzania also export ink?
Yes. Tanzania exported $491 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, the DR Congo and Uganda. On balance Tanzania is a net importer of this product, by about $7.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for ink?
The HS code for ink is heading 3215. In Tanzania the largest six-digit codes were 3215.19 (55% of the value) and 3215.11 (33%).
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 Tanzania. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
Ink product types in Tanzania
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