Polystyrene imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Tanzania imported polystyrene worth $7.6 million (6.4 thousand tonnes). That is 20% more than in 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 | $7.6M | 6.4K t |
| 2023 | $6.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2022 | $8.5M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $9.4M | 5.9K t |
| 2020 | $5.4M | 4.4K t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $5.2M | 4.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.9M | 3.4K t |
Where Tanzania imports polystyrene from
The largest suppliers were United Arab Emirates (30%), China (27%), India (14%). Among the main suppliers, Kenya grew fastest (+444% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $2.3M | 30% |
| China | $2.0M | 27% |
| India | $1.1M | 14% |
| Taiwan | $521K | 6.8% |
| South Africa | $486K | 6.4% |
| Kenya | $327K | 4.3% |
| Egypt | $284K | 3.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | $182K | 2.4% |
| Turkey | $100K | 1.3% |
| Netherlands | $97K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 3903
| 3903.90 | Styrene polymers (other) | 60% |
| 3903.20 | Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer | 14% |
| 3903.11 | Expandable polystyrene beads | 11% |
| 3903.30 | Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene | 7.8% |
| 3903.19 | Polystyrene resin | 7.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3903.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.20 per kg, 29% below the world average of $1.69, 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 Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania polystyrene imports (HS 3903): 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 3903: Polymers of styrene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polystyrene imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported polystyrene worth $7.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 100th of 212 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply polystyrene to Tanzania?
The United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by China (27%) and India (14%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 21 supplier countries in total. Kenya grew fastest among the top ten, up 444% on the year.
What is the average import price of polystyrene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.20 per kg in 2024, 29% below the world average of $1.69 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of polystyrene to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.9 million in 2017 to $7.6 million in 2024, an increase of 95%. The peak was 2021 at $9.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for polystyrene?
The HS code for polystyrene is heading 3903. In Tanzania the largest six-digit codes were 3903.90 (60% of the value) and 3903.20 (14%).
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
Polystyrene product types in Tanzania
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