Plastic Cost In Tanzania: An Expensive Environmental Concern

Tanzania's plastic exports and imports have been fluctuating in recent years. In 2023, the country recorded a significant decline in shipments abroad of plastic containers, with their volume decreasing by 49.1% to 537 tons. However, overall exports showed significant growth, with a 95% increase in 2022. Imports of plastic containers also grew for the fourth year in a row, increasing by 12% to 2.7k tons in 2023. In this context, the cost of plastic in Tanzania is a pertinent topic.

Plastic container imports declined to $5.6M in 2023

Plastic container imports to Tanzania declined to $5.6M in 2023, a decrease of 49.1% to 537 tons. This was a significant decline after three years of growth. The most rapid growth pace was in 2022, when exports increased by 95%.

In 2023, Tanzania imported plastic containers from 24 different countries. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates were the top three exporters, together accounting for 72% of Tanzania's total plastic container imports. China was the largest exporter, with 33% of the total, or 114 shipments. India followed with 26% (90 shipments), and the United Arab Emirates with 13% (43 shipments).

The growth rate of plastic container imports to Tanzania from February 2023 to January 2024 was 100%. This was a notable increase, although it is unclear how this compares to previous years.

Tanzania also imported plastic tanks and cups during this period. From February 2023 to January 2024, Tanzania imported 285 shipments of plastic tanks and 928 shipments of plastic cups.

Plastic container exports reduced to $975K in 2023

Plastic container exports from Tanzania reduced to $975K in 2023, a significant decline after three years of growth. This was a result of a -49.1% decrease in volume to 537 tons. Despite this, exports showed significant growth overall, with the most rapid pace of growth in 2021 when exports increased by 117%.

In 2023, Tanzania recorded growth in supplies from abroad of plastic containers, which increased by 12% to 2.7K tons. This was the fourth year in a row of growth in imports, which hit record highs in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the near future. In value terms, plastic container imports declined to $5.6M in 2023. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +8.7% from 2020 to 2023, although there were some noticeable fluctuations throughout this period.

The growth pace of plastic container exports was the most rapid in 2022, when exports increased by 95% to a peak of 1.1K tons. This was followed by a notable contraction in 2023. The growth pace of imports was also the most pronounced in 2022, with an increase of 54% and a peak of $5.9M.

Tanzania has also recorded growth in purchases abroad of plastics pipes and pipe fittings, which increased by X% to X tons in 2023. This was the third year in a row of growth in imports, which peaked in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the near future. In value terms, plastics pipe and pipe fitting imports reduced notably to $X in 2023, although imports showed strong growth overall. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year.

Plastic pipes and pipe fittings imports reduced to $X in 2023

In terms of volume, the imports of plastic pipes and pipe fittings to Tanzania increased by X% to X tons in 2023, continuing the upward trajectory. This growth trend is expected to persist in the near future, building upon the consistent expansion witnessed over the past few years.

While the import value of plastic pipes and pipe fittings decreased in 2023, the overall exports of plastic containers from Tanzania demonstrated significant growth. The exports peaked in 2022 at 1.1K tons, followed by a notable contraction in 2023, with a volume decrease of -49.1% to 537 tons. Despite this, the export value increased remarkably to $975K in 2023, showcasing the resilience of the plastic container market in Tanzania.

The year 2022 proved to be pivotal for both imports and exports of plastic containers in Tanzania. While imports witnessed a growth of 54%, exports surged by 95% in the same year. This dynamic highlights the evolving nature of the plastic industry in Tanzania, with fluctuations and growth patterns shaping the market.

Plastic container imports reached a peak of $5.9M in 2022

Plastic container imports to Tanzania reached a peak of $5.9M in 2022. This was the fourth year in a row that the country recorded growth in supplies from abroad, with the most rapid pace of growth in 2022, increasing by 54% to 2.7K tons. Overall, imports continue to indicate significant growth and are expected to retain this growth in the near future.

In terms of exports, 2022 also saw a peak, with a growth rate of 95% and a total of 1.1K tons. However, this contracted notably in the following year, with a significant decline in shipments abroad of 49.1% to 537 tons.

In value terms, plastic container exports reduced remarkably to $975K in 2023. The export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern, with the most rapid growth in 2014, reaching a peak level of $X per ton.

Tanzania has also recorded growth in purchases abroad of plastics pipes and pipe fittings, with the most rapid pace of growth in 2013, increasing imports by X% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Plastic pipe exports peaked at $X per ton in 2014

Tanzania has seen a notable increase in the import and export of plastic products in recent years. In 2023, the country recorded a 12% growth in supplies from abroad of plastic containers, reaching 2.7K tons. This was the fourth consecutive year of growth in imports, which peaked in value terms at $5.9M in 2022. However, there was a significant decline in shipments abroad of plastic containers in 2023, with their volume decreasing by -49.1% to 537 tons. Despite this, exports showed significant growth overall, with the most rapid pace of expansion recorded in 2021 at 117%.

In terms of plastic pipe and pipe fitting imports, Tanzania has also experienced resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016, with an increase of X% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2023 and are expected to continue growing in the near future.

Overall, the export price of plastic pipes in Tanzania has followed a relatively flat trend pattern, with the exception of the rapid growth in 2014 that led to the peak of $X per ton.

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