Medical instruments imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Tanzania imported medical instruments worth $77.1 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $77.1M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $82.2M | 5.6K t |
| 2022 | $64.5M | 5.1K t |
| 2021 | $44.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2020 | $46.7M | 3.3K t |
| 2019 | $46.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2018 | $61.9M | 3.4K t |
| 2017 | $62.9M | 3.5K t |
Where Tanzania imports medical instruments from
The largest suppliers were China (30%), Germany (22%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+176% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $23.2M | 30% |
| Germany | $16.9M | 22% |
| India | $8.3M | 11% |
| United States | $7.4M | 9.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $6.5M | 8.4% |
| Netherlands | $2.2M | 2.8% |
| South Africa | $1.9M | 2.5% |
| Kenya | $1.9M | 2.5% |
| Pakistan | $1.5M | 2% |
| Denmark | $1.3M | 1.7% |
Product types under HS 9018
| 9018.90 | Medical instruments (other) | 62% |
| 9018.13 | MRI machines | 9.1% |
| 9018.12 | Ultrasound machines | 8.7% |
| 9018.39 | Catheters and cannulae | 7.4% |
| 9018.31 | Medical syringes | 4.8% |
| 9018.19 | Electrodiagnostic equipment | 3.1% |
| 9018.50 | Ophthalmic instruments | 1.9% |
| 9018.49 | Dental instruments | 1.3% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9018.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $19.82 per kg, 47% below the world average of $37.39, 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.
Medical instruments exports from Tanzania
Tanzania exported $770 thousand of medical instruments in 2024 (46 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Zambia (24%), Malawi (17%), Germany (14%). Among the main buyer markets, South Africa grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $187K | 24% |
| Malawi | $130K | 17% |
| Germany | $109K | 14% |
| United Arab Emirates | $74K | 9.6% |
| Mauritius | $68K | 8.9% |
| South Africa | $48K | 6.2% |
| United States | $34K | 4.4% |
| Kenya | $33K | 4.3% |
| Mozambique | $25K | 3.3% |
| Angola | $12K | 1.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania medical instruments imports (HS 9018): 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 9018: Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments.
Common questions
What is the value of medical instruments imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported medical instruments worth $77.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 85th of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical instruments to Tanzania?
China was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($23.2 million), followed by Germany (22%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. Germany grew fastest among the top ten, up 176% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $19.82 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $37.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of medical instruments to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $62.9 million in 2017 to $77.1 million in 2024, an increase of 23%. The peak was 2023 at $82.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $60.8 million a year.
Does Tanzania also export medical instruments?
Yes. Tanzania exported $770 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Malawi and Germany. On balance Tanzania is a net importer of this product, by about $76.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical instruments?
The HS code for medical instruments is heading 9018. In Tanzania the largest six-digit codes were 9018.90 (62% of the value) and 9018.13 (9%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Tanzania 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
World medical instruments trade: top importers and exporters
Medical instruments product types in Tanzania
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