Facial tissues and paper towels imports in the United States: data, top suppliers and prices
The United States imported $594.9 million of facial tissues and paper towels in 2024 (251.1 thousand tonnes). That makes it the largest importer of this product worldwide, out of 221 countries. Value rose 11% on 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 | $594.9M | 251.1K t |
| 2023 | $536.3M | 219.4K t |
| 2022 | $407.8M | 176.5K t |
| 2021 | $390.6M | 184.7K t |
| 2020 | $416.5M | 199.2K t |
| 2019 | $336.3M | 166.1K t |
| 2018 | $392.2M | 180.8K t |
| 2017 | $401.8M | 185.3K t |
Where the United States imports facial tissues and paper towels from
Canada alone supplied 68% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $407.5M | 69% |
| China | $64.5M | 11% |
| Mexico | $34.2M | 5.8% |
| Indonesia | $28.1M | 4.7% |
| Vietnam | $18.8M | 3.2% |
| Malaysia | $8.7M | 1.5% |
| Taiwan | $8.1M | 1.4% |
| Turkey | $5.0M | 0.9% |
| Cambodia | $3.0M | 0.5% |
| South Korea | $2.7M | 0.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.37 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 States
Exports of facial tissues and paper towels by the United States reached $522.8 million in 2024 (156.9 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 4th largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 169 countries. Canada alone took 67% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $351.1M | 67% |
| Mexico | $35.5M | 6.8% |
| Japan | $30.3M | 5.8% |
| Germany | $16.5M | 3.2% |
| South Korea | $13.8M | 2.6% |
| Australia | $11.5M | 2.2% |
| Dominican Republic | $9.5M | 1.8% |
| Taiwan | $5.3M | 1% |
| Israel | $4.9M | 0.9% |
| Bahamas | $4.2M | 0.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United States?
The shipment records behind United States facial tissues and paper towels imports (HS 4818.20): 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 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 States?
The United States imported facial tissues and paper towels worth $594.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 251.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 1st of 221 countries worldwide, with 10% of world imports. The value was up 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply facial tissues and paper towels to the United States?
Canada was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($407.5 million), followed by China (11%) and Mexico (6%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 70 supplier countries in total. Cambodia grew fastest among the top ten, up 857% on the year.
What is the average import price of facial tissues and paper towels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.37 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $2.29 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of facial tissues and paper towels to the United States changed since 2017?
Imports went from $401.8 million in 2017 to $594.9 million in 2024, an increase of 48%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $434.5 million a year.
Does the United States also export facial tissues and paper towels?
Yes. The United States exported $522.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Canada, Mexico and Japan. That compares with imports of $594.9 million in the same 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 States 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 States
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