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The humble safety match might seem like a relic in a world driven by technology, but global demand for it tells a different story. In 2025, the safety matches industry remains not only relevant but surprisingly dynamic—especially across emerging markets. This blog post dives deep into the top 10 countries that import safety matches, analyzing their market behavior, economic ties, and import patterns to provide you with a comprehensive global outlook.
The United States, known for its vast consumer market and diverse cultural demographics, is seeing a steady uptick in the importation of safety matches in 2025. Although the U.S. isn’t traditionally seen as a match-heavy country compared to nations where incense and traditional fire-starting methods are more common, it still ranks in the top 10 importers globally—largely due to three key sectors: hospitality, camping/outdoor gear, and emergency preparedness.
Several factors have contributed to the rising demand:
The steady rise reflects not just quantity but also value, pointing toward a market embracing premium and eco-conscious match brands.
Popular U.S. Match Import Sources
The majority of matchboxes entering the U.S. are from countries like:
Nigeria stands out as the top importer of safety matches in Africa for 2025. With a population exceeding 223 million and a vast informal economy, daily needs like fire-starting tools are critical for households and small businesses.
The large population combined with a significant portion of the population lacking access to modern cooking methods drives demand. Nigeria’s reliance on biomass and kerosene for cooking in many regions reinforces the widespread usage of safety matches.
|
Year |
Estimated Imports (Million Boxes) |
Major Supplier |
| 2020 |
800 |
India |
| 2021 |
850 |
India |
| 2022 |
920 |
China |
| 2023 |
1,000 |
India |
| 2024 |
1,100 |
India |
| 2025 |
1,200 |
India |
Ghana may be smaller than Nigeria, but its appetite for safety matches is quickly catching up. With a population exceeding 34 million and rapid urbanization, Ghana’s import demand has surged over the past three years. What makes Ghana unique is the dual-market pressure—both urban convenience use and rural necessity.
While urban centers like Accra and Kumasi are shifting toward lighters and gas starters, safety matches remain the go-to for most lower-income and rural populations. These matches are also preferred in areas where electricity supply is unreliable, as candles and kerosene lamps remain common.
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Urban Areas | ████████████████░░░░░░░ 60%
Rural Areas | ██████████████████████ 90%
Interpretation: Rural demand drives the majority of usage, particularly in the northern regions of Ghana.
Benin plays a unique dual role in the global safety matches trade. On one hand, it’s a significant consumer of safety matches for domestic use. On the other, it serves as a strategic re-export center for distributing matchboxes to landlocked West African nations like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
Benin’s Port of Cotonou acts as a major entry point for consumer goods in the region, including safety matches. Thanks to its flexible trade policies and lower import tariffs, the country has become a logistical magnet for wholesalers and matchbox importers.
| Metric |
2025 Projection |
| Total Matchbox Imports |
320 million boxes |
| Re-exported Volume |
180 million boxes |
| Top Source Countries |
India, China, Kenya |
Over half the matchboxes imported into Benin are re-exported to other ECOWAS member states. These exports are often repackaged or rebranded depending on local market preferences.
Unlike gas lighters or electric ignition systems, safety matches offer reliability, simplicity, and affordability—qualities that resonate with a broad demographic in Benin’s markets.
South Africa represents a fascinating blend of technological advancement and cultural tradition. While it boasts a relatively modernized economy compared to other nations in Africa, the country still imports a substantial quantity of safety matches due to both industrial needs and continued domestic usage in rural areas.
South Africa’s safety match consumption is driven by two major sectors:
This dual demand creates a stable, year-round need for matchsticks across both ends of the socio-economic spectrum.
| Indicator |
Value |
| Total Imports (Estimated) |
250 million matchboxes |
| Primary Use Areas |
Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal |
| Key Importing Partners |
India, China, Indonesia |
| Retail Pack Sizes |
10s, 20s, and 50s |
While lighters and electric stoves are common in cities, safety matches remain culturally relevant. They’re used in:
South Africa has introduced stringent safety and labeling standards for all fire-starting goods. Imported safety matches must meet requirements set by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), which has helped increase the quality of matchboxes available in the market.
This means wholesalers and importers must work with reputable manufacturers—often based in India or Indonesia—that can provide certificates of compliance and offer customized packaging for South African distribution.
Togo, though small in size, plays a strategic role in West Africa’s trade landscape, particularly when it comes to products like safety matches. With its deep-water port in Lomé, Togo acts as a transit hub for neighboring landlocked countries, making it a key importer and distributor of safety matches in the region.
Togo’s rise as a top importer of safety matches is driven by several key factors:
Tanzania has emerged as a leading importer and manufacturer of safety matches in East Africa, driven by domestic demand, regional trade, and a growing population. While the country has several local manufacturers, imports still play a vital role in filling supply gaps and supporting distribution across neighboring regions.
Tanzania’s matchstick market thrives due to a few key reasons:
| Exporting Country |
Reason for Preference |
| India |
Consistent quality and low cost |
| Kenya |
Proximity and shared trade networks |
| China |
Custom designs for urban retailers |
| South Africa |
Premium safety matchboxes for hotels |
These exporters often tailor their matchbox branding to local Swahili phrases or imagery, enhancing retail appeal in urban markets like Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
| Year | Imported Cartons |
Estimated Trade Value (USD) |
| 2023 | 420,000 |
$3.1 million |
| 2024 | 460,000 |
$3.5 million |
| 2025 | 500,000 (projected) |
$3.9 million (projected) |
Tanzania’s upward trend reflects both rising consumption and regional redistribution, especially to Malawi and Rwanda.
Mozambique has quietly positioned itself as a growing importer of safety matches in Southern Africa. With its expanding urban population, increased rural electrification efforts, and low match production capacity, the country depends on foreign suppliers to meet its growing demand.
Despite growing electrification, many Mozambican households—especially in rural provinces—still rely on wood or charcoal stoves for cooking. This makes safety matches a daily utility product, often sold in small shops, open markets, and wholesale outlets.
Key contributing factors:
| Country |
Reason for Preference |
| India |
Low prices and durable matchsticks |
| South Africa | Regional proximity and bilingual packaging |
| China |
Bulk shipment options and custom branding |
| Kenya |
East African trade alliance and logistic routes |
These countries offer matches in formats tailored for Mozambique’s market—especially “mini packs” with 30–50 sticks, sold at neighborhood kiosks.
| Year | Imported Units (Cartons) |
Approx. Trade Value (USD) |
| 2023 | 280,000 |
$2.1 million |
| 2024 | 320,000 |
$2.5 million |
| 2025 | 370,000 (projected) |
$2.9 million (projected) |
The increase reflects both rising demand in Maputo and Nampula and Mozambique’s emergence as a redistribution point for nearby landlocked countries like Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Senegal, a key hub in Francophone West Africa, has maintained a consistent demand for safety matches over the past decade. While urban electrification is high, many rural households still use traditional fuels, making safety matches a vital product across the nation.
Senegal’s market stands out for its dual consumer base: modern urban buyers who prefer branded, well-packaged matchboxes, and rural customers who rely on economical multi-pack options.
Important dynamics include:
Senegal imports safety matches primarily through its strategic port in Dakar, making it a convenient entry point for West African distribution.
| Exporting Country |
Notable Advantage |
| India |
Affordable rates, long-burning sticks |
| Pakistan |
Strong trade relations with Francophone Africa |
| China |
Customizable branding and mass volume |
| Indonesia |
Reliable flame quality in humid conditions |
| Year | Imported Quantity (Cartons) |
Total Value (USD) |
| 2023 | 310,000 |
$2.4 million |
| 2024 | 350,000 |
$2.6 million |
| 2025 | 400,000 (estimated) |
$3.1 million (est.) |
Senegal also acts as a re-export node to countries like Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, boosting its import numbers beyond direct consumption needs.
Ethiopia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has seen a sharp rise in consumer goods demand—including safety matches. As rural electrification continues to expand slowly, many households and businesses still rely on traditional methods of fire ignition for cooking and lighting.
| Year | Safety Matches Imports (in USD millions) |
| 2023 |
$5.4 |
| 2024 |
$6.1 |
| 2025 |
$7.2 (Projected)
|
In 2025, safety matches continue to be a vital household and commercial product across the globe. While many countries have transitioned to modern ignition methods, safety matches remain irreplaceable in daily life, particularly in rural communities, emergency situations, and traditional markets.
What are the top 3 countries importing safety matches in 2025?
Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa lead the list, primarily due to their large populations, underdeveloped rural infrastructure, and continued reliance on traditional cooking and lighting methods.
Why are safety matches still in high demand despite modern alternatives like lighters?
Safety matches are cheaper, widely available, and don’t require refilling or batteries. They’re also safer for children, easy to transport, and preferred in rural and outdoor settings.
Which countries are the biggest exporters of safety matches?
The top exporters in 2025 include India, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. These countries dominate due to large-scale production, low labor costs, and strong global distribution networks.
How are safety matches packaged for international trade?
They are usually packed in bulk match cartons, often in 400 to 600 carton batches, depending on the buyer’s order size. The packaging is designed to be moisture-resistant and comply with international shipping norms.
What is the HS Code for safety matches for import/export purposes?
The international HS Code for safety matches is 3605.00, which helps in customs classification and duty calculations.
Can safety matches be customized for private labels or promotional branding?
Yes, many suppliers—especially in India—offer custom matchbox printing for marketing, promotional giveaways, or branded retail packaging.
Is it possible to ship safety matches globally without restrictions?
Generally, yes. However, since safety matches are flammable, they may be subject to specific shipping regulations depending on the carrier and destination country. It’s important to check local laws and use certified freight forwarders.
