Synthetic dye imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Uganda imported synthetic dye worth $8.8 million (1.8 thousand tonnes). That is 11% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $12.0 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 | $8.8M | 1.8K t |
| 2023 | $9.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $12.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $7.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $8.3M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $9.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2018 | $7.2M | 991 t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 396 t |
Where Uganda imports synthetic dye from
The largest suppliers were India (39%), China (21%), Taiwan (10%). Among the main suppliers, Brazil grew fastest (+166% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.4M | 39% |
| China | $1.9M | 21% |
| Taiwan | $864K | 9.8% |
| South Africa | $675K | 7.7% |
| Switzerland | $514K | 5.8% |
| Germany | $272K | 3.1% |
| Brazil | $263K | 3% |
| Hungary | $219K | 2.5% |
| Kenya | $161K | 1.8% |
| Austria | $111K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 3204
| 3204.17 | Synthetic pigments | 60% |
| 3204.19 | Synthetic dyes (other) | 13% |
| 3204.15 | Vat dyes | 7.2% |
| 3204.11 | Disperse dyes | 6.3% |
| 3204.90 | Synthetic organic products (other) | 4.5% |
| 3204.16 | Reactive dyes | 3.6% |
| 3204.20 | Fluorescent brightening agents | 2.3% |
| 3204.12 | Acid dyes and mordant dyes | 1.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3204.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $4.83 per kg, 33% below the world average of $7.25, 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.
Synthetic dye exports from Uganda
Uganda exported $337 thousand of synthetic dye in 2024 (65 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were DR Congo (47%), Zambia (30%), Rwanda (15%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $158K | 47% |
| Zambia | $100K | 30% |
| Rwanda | $50K | 15% |
| South Sudan | $12K | 3.4% |
| Burundi | $10K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $5K | 1.4% |
| Canada | $3K | 1% |
| United States | $1K | 0.1% |
| Kenya | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda synthetic dye imports (HS 3204): 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 3204: Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic dye imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported synthetic dye worth $8.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 85th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic dye to Uganda?
India was the largest supplier with 39% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by China (21%) and Taiwan (10%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Brazil grew fastest among the top ten, up 166% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic dye per kg?
The average declared import value was about $4.83 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $7.25 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic dye to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $8.8 million in 2024, an increase of 167%. The peak was 2022 at $12.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $8.4 million a year.
Does Uganda also export synthetic dye?
Yes. Uganda exported $337 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the DR Congo, Zambia and Rwanda. On balance Uganda is a net importer of this product, by about $8.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic dye?
The HS code for synthetic dye is heading 3204. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 3204.17 (60% of the value) and 3204.19 (13%).
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
Synthetic dye product types in Uganda
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