Waste paper imports in Tanzania: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Tanzania imported waste paper worth $2.2 million (7.8 thousand tonnes). That is 7% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2019, at $3.2 million.
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 | $2.2M | 7.8K t |
| 2023 | $2.0M | 7.6K t |
| 2022 | $2.9M | 9.2K t |
| 2021 | $2.8M | 9.8K t |
| 2020 | $1.2M | 4.8K t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 13.5K t |
| 2018 | $1.5M | 5.4K t |
| 2017 | $782K | 2.7K t |
Where Tanzania imports waste paper from
South Korea alone supplied 57% of it. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+314% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $1.2M | 57% |
| South Africa | $429K | 20% |
| Dem. People's Rep. of Korea | $112K | 5.1% |
| Kenya | $99K | 4.5% |
| Algeria | $60K | 2.8% |
| Japan | $60K | 2.8% |
| China | $41K | 1.9% |
| United Kingdom | $34K | 1.5% |
| Costa Rica | $25K | 1.2% |
| Senegal | $25K | 1.2% |
Product types under HS 4707
| 4707.30 | Newspaper and magazine waste | 52% |
| 4707.90 | Mixed paper and cardboard waste | 45% |
| 4707.10 | Kraft and corrugated cardboard waste | 3.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4707.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.28 per kg, 47% above the world average of $0.19. 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.
Waste paper exports from Tanzania
In 2024, Tanzania exported waste paper worth $675 thousand (5.8 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: India accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $502K | 74% |
| Uganda | $116K | 17% |
| Kenya | $49K | 7.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $8K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Tanzania?
The shipment records behind Tanzania waste paper imports (HS 4707): 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 4707: Waste and scrap of paper and paperboard.
Common questions
What is the value of waste paper imported by Tanzania?
Tanzania imported waste paper worth $2.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 70th of 183 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply waste paper to Tanzania?
South Korea was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by South Africa (20%) and Dem. People's Rep. of Korea (5%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Algeria grew fastest among the top ten, up 658% on the year.
What is the average import price of waste paper per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.28 per kg in 2024, 47% above the world average of $0.19 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of waste paper to Tanzania changed since 2017?
Imports went from $782 thousand in 2017 to $2.2 million in 2024, an increase of 179%. The peak was 2019 at $3.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.1 million a year.
Does Tanzania also export waste paper?
Yes. Tanzania exported $675 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to India, Uganda and Kenya. On balance Tanzania is a net importer of this product, by about $1.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for waste paper?
The HS code for waste paper is heading 4707. In Tanzania the largest six-digit codes were 4707.30 (52% of the value) and 4707.90 (45%).
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.
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