Synthetic tow imports in Uganda: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of synthetic tow by Uganda reached $8.6 million in 2024 (3.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. That is 45% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $14.8 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 | $8.6M | 3.4K t |
| 2023 | $5.9M | 2.5K t |
| 2022 | $11.4M | 6.2K t |
| 2021 | $14.8M | 10.8K t |
| 2020 | $10.9M | 7.6K t |
| 2019 | $13.5M | 6.8K t |
| 2018 | $12.6M | 6.8K t |
| 2017 | $1.5M | 338 t |
Where Uganda imports synthetic tow from
The largest suppliers were China (42%), South Africa (20%), Japan (20%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+341% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.6M | 42% |
| South Africa | $1.7M | 20% |
| Japan | $1.7M | 20% |
| South Korea | $1.5M | 17% |
| Malaysia | $72K | 0.8% |
| Turkey | $38K | 0.5% |
| Tanzania | $5K | 0.1% |
| Thailand | $1K | 0% |
| Taiwan | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5501
| 5501.30 | Acrylic filament tow | 76% |
| 5501.90 | Synthetic filament tow (other) | 14% |
| 5501.40 | Fibres: synthetic filament tow, of polypropylene | 9.7% |
| 5501.10 | Nylon filament tow | 0.7% |
| 5501.20 | Polyester filament tow | 0.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5501.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.50 per kg, 20% below the world average of $3.14, 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 synthetic tow imports (HS 5501): 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 5501: Synthetic filament tow.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic tow imported by Uganda?
Uganda imported synthetic tow worth $8.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 30th of 167 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 45% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic tow to Uganda?
China was the largest supplier with 42% of the value ($3.6 million), followed by South Africa (20%) and Japan (20%). The top three together account for 82%, out of 9 supplier countries in total. Malaysia grew fastest among the top ten, up 907% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic tow per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.50 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $3.14 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic tow to Uganda changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.5 million in 2017 to $8.6 million in 2024, an increase of 488%. The peak was 2021 at $14.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $9.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic tow?
The HS code for synthetic tow is heading 5501. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 5501.30 (76% of the value) and 5501.90 (14%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Synthetic tow product types in Uganda
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