Water pipe tobacco exports from Uganda: data, top buyers and prices
Uganda exported $18.4 million of water pipe tobacco in 2024 (6.5 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 6th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 74 countries. Value rose 6% on 2023. Over 2018-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 28% a year on average.
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 | $18.4M | 6.5K t |
| 2023 | $17.3M | 7.0K t |
| 2022 | $11.9M | 4.2K t |
| 2021 | $4.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $8.9M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $6.3M | 2.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.2M | 1.4K t |
Where Uganda exports water pipe tobacco to
The largest buyer markets were South Sudan (43%), Nigeria (32%), United Arab Emirates (11%). Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+92% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | $7.9M | 43% |
| Nigeria | $5.8M | 32% |
| United Arab Emirates | $2.1M | 11% |
| Tanzania | $1.3M | 7.3% |
| Angola | $987K | 5.4% |
| South Africa | $260K | 1.4% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.82 per kg, 67% below the world average of $8.48, 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 water pipe tobacco exports (HS 2403.11): 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 2403.11: Tobacco: smoking, water pipe tobacco as specified in Subheading Note 1 to this Chapter, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion.
Common questions
What is the value of water pipe tobacco exported by Uganda?
Uganda exported water pipe tobacco worth $18.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 6th of 74 countries worldwide, with 5% of world exports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy water pipe tobacco from Uganda?
South Sudan was the largest buyer with 43% of the value ($7.9 million), followed by Nigeria (32%) and the United Arab Emirates (11%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 6 buyer countries in total. The United Arab Emirates grew fastest among the top ten, up 92% on the year.
What is the average export price of water pipe tobacco per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.82 per kg in 2024, 67% below the world average of $8.48 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of water pipe tobacco from Uganda changed since 2017?
Exports went from $4.2 million in 2018 to $18.4 million in 2024, an increase of 341%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 7 years the average was $10.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for water pipe tobacco?
The HS code for water pipe tobacco is subheading 2403.11. It sits in HS chapter 24 (tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes; products, whether or not containing nicotine, intended for inhalation without combustion; other nicotine containing products intended for the intake of nicotine into the human body). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2403 page.
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
More trade data for Uganda
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