Facial tissues and paper towels imports in the United Kingdom: data, top suppliers and prices
The United Kingdom imported $242.2 million of facial tissues and paper towels in 2024 (106.2 thousand tonnes). It ranks 7th of 221 countries for imports of this product. That is 4% less than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $242.2M | 106.2K t |
| 2023 | $251.7M | 101.7K t |
| 2022 | $255.7M | 109.0K t |
| 2021 | $160.6M | 86.1K t |
| 2020 | $189.5M | 111.4K t |
| 2019 | $224.2M | 126.1K t |
| 2018 | $237.1M | 132.9K t |
| 2017 | $221.8M | 124.6K t |
Where the United Kingdom imports facial tissues and paper towels from
Most of the value came from Italy (24%), Germany (18%), Netherlands (13%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+58% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $59.0M | 24% |
| Germany | $42.6M | 18% |
| Netherlands | $30.8M | 13% |
| France | $30.5M | 13% |
| Poland | $21.8M | 9% |
| China | $13.2M | 5.4% |
| Belgium | $8.3M | 3.4% |
| Sweden | $7.6M | 3.1% |
| Turkey | $6.6M | 2.7% |
| Finland | $5.3M | 2.2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.28 per kg, close to the world average of $2.29.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Facial tissues and paper towels exports from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom exported $105.5 million of facial tissues and paper towels in 2024 (33.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 2%. Ireland alone took 65% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $69.1M | 66% |
| France | $9.6M | 9.1% |
| Germany | $4.1M | 3.9% |
| Netherlands | $3.4M | 3.2% |
| Spain | $2.0M | 1.9% |
| Iceland | $1.5M | 1.5% |
| United States | $1.3M | 1.3% |
| Finland | $1.3M | 1.2% |
| Israel | $1.2M | 1.1% |
| Nigeria | $1.1M | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Kingdom?
The shipment records behind United Kingdom facial tissues and paper towels imports (HS 4818.20): 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 4818.20: Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels.
Common questions
What is the value of facial tissues and paper towels imported by the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom imported facial tissues and paper towels worth $242.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 106.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 7th of 221 countries worldwide, with 4% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply facial tissues and paper towels to the United Kingdom?
Italy was the largest supplier with 24% of the value ($59.0 million), followed by Germany (18%) and the Netherlands (13%). The top three together account for 55%, out of 66 supplier countries in total. Sweden grew fastest among the top ten, up 58% on the year.
What is the average import price of facial tissues and paper towels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.28 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.29 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of facial tissues and paper towels to the United Kingdom changed since 2017?
Imports went from $221.8 million in 2017 to $242.2 million in 2024, an increase of 9%. The peak was 2022 at $255.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $222.8 million a year.
Does the United Kingdom also export facial tissues and paper towels?
Yes. The United Kingdom exported $105.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ireland, France and Germany. On balance the United Kingdom is a net importer of this product, by about $136.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for facial tissues and paper towels?
The HS code for facial tissues and paper towels is subheading 4818.20. It sits in HS chapter 48 (paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or paperboard). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 4818 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for the United Kingdom 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 facial tissues and paper towels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Kingdom
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.