Printed books imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Uganda imported $10.2 million of printed books in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). That is 47% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 11% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $22.5 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 | $10.2M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $19.4M | 4.5K t |
| 2022 | $14.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $22.5M | 8.0K t |
| 2020 | $7.1M | 1.5K t |
| 2019 | $11.9M | 3.5K t |
| 2018 | $10.1M | 2.2K t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 860 t |
Where Uganda imports printed books from
The largest suppliers were Kenya (20%), China (16%), India (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+93% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | $2.0M | 20% |
| China | $1.6M | 16% |
| India | $1.5M | 15% |
| United Kingdom | $1.3M | 13% |
| South Africa | $1.2M | 12% |
| United States | $1.0M | 10% |
| South Korea | $761K | 7.5% |
| Canada | $106K | 1% |
| Japan | $99K | 1% |
| Denmark | $94K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 4901
| 4901.99 | Printed matter: books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter n.e.c. in item no. 4901.10 or 4901.91 | 91% |
| 4901.10 | Printed single sheets and leaflets | 8.2% |
| 4901.91 | Printed dictionaries and encyclopaedias | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4901.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.93 per kg, 47% below the world average of $9.39, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda printed books imports (HS 4901): 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 4901: Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, whether or not in single sheets.
Common questions
What is the value of printed books imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported printed books worth $10.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 97th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 47% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed books to Uganda?
Kenya was the largest supplier with 20% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by China (16%) and India (15%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 86 supplier countries in total. Japan grew fastest among the top ten, up 150% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed books per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.93 per kg in 2024, 47% below the world average of $9.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of printed books to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $10.2 million in 2024, an increase of 102%. The peak was 2021 at $22.5 million. Over 8 years the average was $12.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed books?
The HS code for printed books is heading 4901. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 4901.99 (91% of the value) and 4901.10 (8%).
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.
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