Rice imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of rice by Uganda reached $206.9 million in 2024 (581.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 69% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 88% 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 | $206.9M | 581.6K t |
| 2023 | $122.7M | 219.9K t |
| 2022 | $140.5M | 305.5K t |
| 2021 | $215.2M | 434.5K t |
| 2020 | $105.9M | 291.4K t |
| 2019 | $84.7M | 192.6K t |
| 2018 | $72.5M | 162.9K t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 4.9K t |
Where Uganda imports rice from
Tanzania alone supplied 97% of it. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+72% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $201.1M | 97% |
| Pakistan | $3.6M | 1.7% |
| India | $896K | 0.4% |
| South Korea | $828K | 0.4% |
| China | $378K | 0.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $45K | 0% |
| Kenya | $26K | 0% |
| United States | $21K | 0% |
| Italy | $1K | 0% |
| Belgium | $1K | 0% |
Product types under HS 1006
| 1006.30 | Milled rice | 98% |
| 1006.40 | Broken rice | 1.8% |
| 1006.10 | Paddy rice | 0.2% |
| 1006.20 | Brown rice | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1006.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.36 per kg, 44% below the world average of $0.64, 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.
Rice exports from Uganda
Exports of rice by Uganda reached $2.6 million in 2024 (3.5 thousand tonnes). One buyer market dominates: DR Congo accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+156% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $2.3M | 88% |
| South Sudan | $169K | 6.5% |
| Kenya | $109K | 4.2% |
| United States | $30K | 1.2% |
| Rwanda | $6K | 0.2% |
| Canada | $3K | 0.1% |
| Sudan | $3K | 0.1% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1K | 0% |
| Switzerland | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda rice imports (HS 1006): 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 1006: Rice.
Common questions
What is the value of rice imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported rice worth $206.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 581.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 46th of 223 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 69% on 2023.
Which countries supply rice to Uganda?
Tanzania was the largest supplier with 97% of the value ($201.1 million), followed by Pakistan (2%) and India (0%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 27 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 318% on the year.
What is the average import price of rice per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.36 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $0.64 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of rice to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $206.9 million in 2024. The peak was 2021 at $215.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $118.8 million a year.
Does Uganda also export rice?
Yes. Uganda exported $2.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, South Sudan and Kenya. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $204.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for rice?
The HS code for rice is heading 1006. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 1006.30 (98% of the value) and 1006.40 (2%).
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
Rice product types in Uganda
More trade data for Uganda
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