Tobacco leaf exports from Uganda: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Uganda exported tobacco leaf worth $55.7 million (14.0 thousand tonnes). That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $82.0 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $55.7M | 14.0K t |
| 2023 | $64.0M | 16.3K t |
| 2022 | $31.7M | 9.1K t |
| 2021 | $49.6M | 12.5K t |
| 2020 | $22.5M | 7.9K t |
| 2019 | $71.8M | 26.1K t |
| 2018 | $82.0M | 29.1K t |
| 2017 | $21.0M | 3.9K t |
Where Uganda exports tobacco leaf to
Most of it went to Belgium (31%), Nigeria (20%), Egypt (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest (+152% on the year before).
Product types under HS 2401
| 2401.20 | Tobacco: partly or wholly stemmed or stripped | 64% |
| 2401.10 | Tobacco, (not stemmed or stripped) | 36% |
| 2401.30 | Tobacco waste | 0.9% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2401.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.97 per kg, 33% below the world average of $5.95, 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.
Tobacco leaf imports to Uganda
In 2024, Uganda imported tobacco leaf worth $9.6 million (1.9 thousand tonnes). India alone supplied 99% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+427% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $9.5M | 99% |
| South Africa | $70K | 0.7% |
| Kenya | $2K | 0% |
| Poland | $2K | 0% |
| Belgium | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Uganda?
The shipment records behind Uganda tobacco leaf exports (HS 2401): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 2401: Tobacco, unmanufactured; tobacco refuse.
Common questions
What is the value of tobacco leaf exported by Uganda?
Uganda exported tobacco leaf worth $55.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 14.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 33rd of 135 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries buy tobacco leaf from Uganda?
Belgium was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($17.5 million), followed by Nigeria (20%) and Egypt (11%). The top three together account for 63%, out of 30 buyer countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 152% on the year.
What is the average export price of tobacco leaf per kg?
The average declared export value was about $3.97 per kg in 2024, 33% below the world average of $5.95 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of tobacco leaf from Uganda changed since 2017?
Exports went from $21.0 million in 2017 to $55.7 million in 2024, an increase of 165%. The peak was 2018 at $82.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $49.8 million a year.
Does Uganda also import tobacco leaf?
Yes. Uganda imported $9.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, South Africa and Kenya. On balance Uganda is a net exporter of this product, by about $46.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for tobacco leaf?
The HS code for tobacco leaf is heading 2401. In Uganda the largest six-digit codes were 2401.20 (64% of the value) and 2401.10 (36%).
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
More trade data for Uganda
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