Artificial tow imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Uganda imported $5.3 million of artificial tow in 2024 (591 tonnes). That is 191% more than in 2023. Over 2018-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% 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 | $5.3M | 591 t |
| 2023 | $1.8M | 266 t |
| 2022 | $1.8M | 378 t |
| 2021 | $3.5M | 808 t |
| 2020 | $2.7M | 620 t |
| 2019 | $1.4M | 335 t |
| 2018 | $1.6M | 414 t |
Where Uganda imports artificial tow from
One supplier dominates: Japan accounted for 82% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Japan grew fastest (+567% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $4.4M | 82% |
| United States | $555K | 10% |
| Burundi | $210K | 3.9% |
| Belgium | $92K | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $54K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $51K | 1% |
| China | $12K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 5502
| 5502.10 | Fibres: artificial filament tow of cellulose acetate | 99% |
| 5502.90 | Artificial filament tow | 1.2% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5502.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.01 per kg, 38% above the world average of $6.52. 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.
Artificial tow exports from Uganda
Exports of artificial tow by Uganda reached $2.3 million in 2024 (247 tonnes). DR Congo alone took 98% of it. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+103% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.2M | 98% |
| South Sudan | $47K | 2.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda artificial tow imports (HS 5502): 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 5502: Artificial filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of artificial tow imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported artificial tow worth $5.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 591 tonnes. That ranks it 54th of 128 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 191% on 2023.
Which countries supply artificial tow to Uganda?
Japan was the largest supplier with 82% of the value ($4.4 million), followed by the United States (10%) and Burundi (4%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 567% on the year.
What is the average import price of artificial tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.01 per kg in 2024, 38% above the world average of $6.52 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of artificial tow to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.6 million in 2018 to $5.3 million in 2024, an increase of 235%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 7 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
Does Uganda also export artificial tow?
Yes. Uganda exported $2.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo and South Sudan. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for artificial tow?
The HS code for artificial tow is heading 5502. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 5502.10 (99% of the value) and 5502.90 (1%).
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 Uganda. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
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