Specialized machinery imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of specialized machinery by Uganda reached $56.8 million in 2024 (6.8 thousand tonnes). That is 6% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 24% 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 | $56.8M | 6.8K t |
| 2023 | $60.6M | 8.5K t |
| 2022 | $48.4M | 5.9K t |
| 2021 | $31.0M | 4.5K t |
| 2020 | $34.4M | 6.1K t |
| 2019 | $30.3M | 4.3K t |
| 2018 | $50.1M | 3.6K t |
| 2017 | $12.4M | 541 t |
Where Uganda imports specialized machinery from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, United States grew fastest (+167% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $34.3M | 60% |
| India | $6.8M | 12% |
| Italy | $4.5M | 7.9% |
| United States | $1.9M | 3.3% |
| Czech Republic | $1.1M | 1.9% |
| Romania | $1.1M | 1.9% |
| Germany | $1.0M | 1.8% |
| Slovakia | $841K | 1.5% |
| Malaysia | $652K | 1.2% |
| Mexico | $583K | 1% |
Product types under HS 8479
| 8479.89 | Specialized machinery (other types) | 68% |
| 8479.90 | Specialized machinery parts | 14% |
| 8479.82 | Industrial mixing and homogenizing machines | 3.9% |
| 8479.81 | Metal treating and winding machinery | 3.6% |
| 8479.20 | Oil extraction and pressing machinery | 2.7% |
| 8479.10 | Construction and public works machinery | 1.9% |
| 8479.30 | Particle board and wood treatment machinery | 1.6% |
| 8479.71 | Airport passenger boarding bridges | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8479.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.30 per kg, 55% below the world average of $18.55, 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.
Specialized machinery exports from Uganda
Exports of specialized machinery by Uganda reached $552 thousand in 2024 (100 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (31%), Mozambique (24%), Lesotho (9%). Among the main buyer markets, South Sudan grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $170K | 31% |
| Mozambique | $135K | 25% |
| Lesotho | $49K | 8.8% |
| DR Congo | $34K | 6.1% |
| South Sudan | $33K | 6% |
| Rwanda | $19K | 3.4% |
| Namibia | $17K | 3.1% |
| Ethiopia | $15K | 2.7% |
| India | $14K | 2.5% |
| Burundi | $13K | 2.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda specialized machinery imports (HS 8479): 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 8479: Machinery and mechanical appliances; having individual functions, n.e.c. in this chapter.
Common questions
What is the value of specialized machinery imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported specialized machinery worth $56.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 91st of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 6% on 2023.
Which countries supply specialized machinery to Uganda?
China was the largest supplier with 60% of the value ($34.3 million), followed by India (12%) and Italy (8%). The top three together account for 80%, out of 63 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 167% on the year.
What is the average import price of specialized machinery per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.30 per kg in 2024, 55% below the world average of $18.55 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of specialized machinery to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $12.4 million in 2017 to $56.8 million in 2024, an increase of 360%. The peak was 2023 at $60.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $40.5 million a year.
Does Uganda also export specialized machinery?
Yes. Uganda exported $552 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Mozambique and Lesotho. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $56.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for specialized machinery?
The HS code for specialized machinery is heading 8479. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 8479.89 (68% of the value) and 8479.90 (14%).
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
World specialized machinery trade: top importers and exporters
Specialized machinery product types in Uganda
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