Synthetic tow imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic tow by Tanzania reached $26.8 million in 2024 (10.0 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 3%. That is 31% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% 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 | $26.8M | 10.0K t |
| 2023 | $20.4M | 7.3K t |
| 2022 | $17.7M | 7.3K t |
| 2021 | $23.4M | 6.8K t |
| 2020 | $13.6M | 6.3K t |
| 2019 | $13.4M | 6.0K t |
| 2018 | $14.3M | 4.5K t |
| 2017 | $9.6M | 3.1K t |
Where Tanzania imports synthetic tow from
The largest suppliers were South Korea (38%), Japan (37%), China (8%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+318% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $10.2M | 38% |
| Japan | $9.9M | 37% |
| China | $2.1M | 7.8% |
| Turkey | $1.8M | 6.6% |
| South Africa | $1.3M | 4.9% |
| Malaysia | $765K | 2.9% |
| Singapore | $314K | 1.2% |
| Thailand | $177K | 0.7% |
| Indonesia | $76K | 0.3% |
| Kenya | $75K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow (other) | 44% |
| 5501.30 | Acrylic filament tow | 30% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 17% |
| 5501.20 | Polyester filament tow | 9.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.69 per kg, close to the world average of $3.14.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic tow exports from Tanzania
In 2024, Tanzania exported synthetic tow worth $498 thousand (154 tonnes). Kenya alone took 98% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Kenya grew fastest (+205% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $491K | 99% |
| Uganda | $5K | 1% |
| South Africa | $2K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania synthetic tow imports (HS 5501): 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported synthetic tow worth $26.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 10.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 11th of 167 countries worldwide, with 3% of world imports. The value was up 31% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to Tanzania?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 38% of the value ($10.2 million), followed by Japan (37%) and China (8%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 12 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 330% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.69 per kg in 2024, 14% below the world average of $3.14 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic tow to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.6 million in 2017 to $26.8 million in 2024, an increase of 179%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $17.4 million a year.
Does Tanzania also export synthetic tow?
Yes. Tanzania exported $498 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. On balance Tanzania is a net importer of this product, by about $26.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In Tanzania the largest six-digit codes were 5501.90 (44% of the value) and 5501.30 (30%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Synthetic tow product types in Tanzania
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