Medical instruments imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Uganda imported medical instruments worth $43.7 million (3.9 thousand tonnes). Value fell 16% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $58.3 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 | $43.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2023 | $52.2M | 4.0K t |
| 2022 | $58.3M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $52.3M | 5.5K t |
| 2020 | $39.8M | 3.6K t |
| 2019 | $31.2M | 3.2K t |
| 2018 | $40.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2017 | $26.4M | 3.7K t |
Where Uganda imports medical instruments from
The largest suppliers were China (41%), United Kingdom (10%), India (9%). Among the main suppliers, United Kingdom grew fastest (+349% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.1M | 41% |
| United Kingdom | $4.4M | 10% |
| India | $3.8M | 8.7% |
| Germany | $3.6M | 8.3% |
| Egypt | $2.0M | 4.6% |
| United States | $1.9M | 4.4% |
| Kenya | $1.0M | 2.3% |
| Italy | $968K | 2.2% |
| Pakistan | $835K | 1.9% |
| Hong Kong | $809K | 1.9% |
Product types under HS 9018
| 9018.90 | Medical instruments (other) | 56% |
| 9018.31 | Medical syringes | 13% |
| 9018.39 | Catheters and cannulae | 12% |
| 9018.12 | Ultrasound machines | 5.6% |
| 9018.13 | MRI machines | 4.2% |
| 9018.19 | Electrodiagnostic equipment | 4% |
| 9018.32 | Medical needles | 2.7% |
| 9018.50 | Ophthalmic instruments | 1.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 9018.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $11.17 per kg, 70% below the world average of $37.39, 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.
Medical instruments exports from Uganda
Uganda exported $1.3 million of medical instruments in 2024 (128 tonnes). Most of it went to Rwanda (25%), United States (17%), South Sudan (15%). Among the main buyer markets, United States grew fastest (+347% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | $316K | 25% |
| United States | $212K | 17% |
| South Sudan | $194K | 15% |
| DR Congo | $145K | 11% |
| Zimbabwe | $84K | 6.6% |
| Burundi | $77K | 6% |
| Somalia | $69K | 5.4% |
| Slovakia | $47K | 3.7% |
| Japan | $41K | 3.2% |
| Tanzania | $38K | 3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda medical instruments imports (HS 9018): 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 9018: Instruments and appliances used in medical, surgical, dental or veterinary sciences, including scintigraphic apparatus, other electro-medical apparatus and sight testing instruments.
Common questions
What is the value of medical instruments imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported medical instruments worth $43.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 103rd of 226 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 16% on 2023.
Which countries supply medical instruments to Uganda?
China was the largest supplier with 41% of the value ($18.1 million), followed by the United Kingdom (10%) and India (9%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 67 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 349% on the year.
What is the average import price of medical instruments per kg?
The average declared import value was about $11.17 per kg in 2024, 70% below the world average of $37.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of medical instruments to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $26.4 million in 2017 to $43.7 million in 2024, an increase of 66%. The peak was 2022 at $58.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $43.0 million a year.
Does Uganda also export medical instruments?
Yes. Uganda exported $1.3 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Rwanda, the United States and South Sudan. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $42.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for medical instruments?
The HS code for medical instruments is heading 9018. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 9018.90 (56% of the value) and 9018.31 (12%).
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 medical instruments trade: top importers and exporters
Medical instruments product types in Uganda
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