Polyethylene imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyethylene by Uganda reached $165.5 million in 2024 (131.7 thousand tonnes). Value rose 20% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 65% 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 | $165.5M | 131.7K t |
| 2023 | $138.1M | 111.5K t |
| 2022 | $163.3M | 101.4K t |
| 2021 | $125.1M | 81.4K t |
| 2020 | $99.8M | 98.9K t |
| 2019 | $96.2M | 83.5K t |
| 2018 | $102.8M | 76.3K t |
| 2017 | $5.1M | 4.1K t |
Where Uganda imports polyethylene from
The largest suppliers were Saudi Arabia (39%), United Arab Emirates (16%), China (13%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+127% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $64.1M | 39% |
| United Arab Emirates | $27.0M | 16% |
| China | $22.2M | 13% |
| Qatar | $17.3M | 10% |
| United States | $10.7M | 6.4% |
| Oman | $5.3M | 3.2% |
| India | $3.5M | 2.1% |
| Kuwait | $2.4M | 1.4% |
| Singapore | $2.1M | 1.3% |
| South Korea | $1.8M | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 3901
| 3901.20 | High-density polyethylene | 55% |
| 3901.10 | Low-density polyethylene | 36% |
| 3901.30 | Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer | 5.3% |
| 3901.90 | Ethylene polymers (other) | 2.4% |
| 3901.40 | Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer | 1.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.26 per kg, close to the world average of $1.22.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Polyethylene exports from Uganda
In 2024, Uganda exported polyethylene worth $6.4 million (4.7 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 54% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, Burundi grew fastest (+114% on the year before).
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda polyethylene imports (HS 3901): 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 3901: Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported polyethylene worth $165.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 131.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 67th of 213 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 20% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene to Uganda?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($64.1 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (16%) and China (13%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 127% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.22 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of polyethylene to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.1 million in 2017 to $165.5 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $112.0 million a year.
Does Uganda also export polyethylene?
Yes. Uganda exported $6.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Burundi and Rwanda. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $159.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene?
The HS code for polyethylene is heading 3901. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 3901.20 (55% of the value) and 3901.10 (36%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Uganda 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.
Same product, other countries
Polyethylene product types in Uganda
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