Food processing machinery imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Uganda imported food processing machinery worth $34.0 million (3.6 thousand tonnes). That is 11% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2020, at $42.7 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $34.0M | 3.6K t |
| 2023 | $30.5M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $24.3M | 6.3K t |
| 2021 | $37.6M | 6.4K t |
| 2020 | $42.7M | 2.7K t |
| 2019 | $23.7M | 2.0K t |
| 2018 | $16.0M | 2.0K t |
| 2017 | $12.1M | 992 t |
Where Uganda imports food processing machinery from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 74% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+39% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $25.0M | 74% |
| Germany | $2.9M | 8.6% |
| Italy | $2.2M | 6.5% |
| China | $1.8M | 5.3% |
| Switzerland | $525K | 1.6% |
| South Africa | $484K | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $228K | 0.7% |
| Bulgaria | $221K | 0.7% |
| Denmark | $180K | 0.5% |
| Netherlands | $72K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 8438
| 8438.30 | Sugar manufacturing machinery | 44% |
| 8438.90 | Food processing machinery parts | 25% |
| 8438.80 | Food and beverage processing machinery (other) | 9.8% |
| 8438.40 | Brewery equipment and machinery | 8.8% |
| 8438.10 | Bakery and pasta manufacturing machinery | 8.4% |
| 8438.60 | Fruit and vegetable processing machinery | 2.3% |
| 8438.50 | Meat and poultry processing machinery | 1.4% |
| 8438.20 | Confectionery and chocolate machinery | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8438.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $9.38 per kg, 65% below the world average of $26.89, 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.
Food processing machinery exports from Uganda
Exports of food processing machinery by Uganda reached $555 thousand in 2024 (570 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (45%), India (38%), Burundi (7%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+140% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda food processing machinery imports (HS 8438): 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 8438: Machinery n.e.c. in this chapter, for the industrial preparation or manufacture of food or drink; other than machinery for extraction or preparation of animal or fixed vegetable or microbial fats or oils.
Common questions
What is the value of food processing machinery imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported food processing machinery worth $34.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 79th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply food processing machinery to Uganda?
India was the largest supplier with 74% of the value ($25.0 million), followed by Germany (9%) and Italy (6%). The top three together account for 89%, out of 40 supplier countries in total. Switzerland grew fastest among the top ten, up 828% on the year.
What is the average import price of food processing machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $9.38 per kg in 2024, 65% below the world average of $26.89 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of food processing machinery to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.1 million in 2017 to $34.0 million in 2024, an increase of 181%. The peak was 2020 at $42.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $27.6 million a year.
Does Uganda also export food processing machinery?
Yes. Uganda exported $555 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, India and Burundi. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $33.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for food processing machinery?
The HS code for food processing machinery is heading 8438. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 8438.30 (44% of the value) and 8438.90 (25%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Uganda, 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
World food processing machinery trade: top importers and exporters
Food processing machinery product types in Uganda
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