Abrasive cloth imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported abrasive cloth worth $2.7 million (1.1 thousand tonnes). That is 5% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2017, at $3.7 million.
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 | $2.7M | 1.1K t |
| 2023 | $2.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2022 | $2.9M | 928 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $2.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $2.3M | 909 t |
| 2018 | $3.7M | 929 t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 888 t |
Where Kenya imports abrasive cloth from
The largest suppliers were China (50%), Portugal (17%), India (11%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+129% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.4M | 50% |
| Portugal | $461K | 17% |
| India | $294K | 11% |
| Italy | $158K | 5.8% |
| Spain | $116K | 4.2% |
| Germany | $82K | 3% |
| United Kingdom | $63K | 2.3% |
| Switzerland | $31K | 1.1% |
| Egypt | $22K | 0.8% |
| Austria | $21K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 6805
| 6805.20 | Abrasive paper | 45% |
| 6805.10 | Abrasive powder or grain: natural or artificial, on a base of woven textile fabric only, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up | 32% |
| 6805.30 | Abrasive sheets (other) | 24% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 6805.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.41 per kg, 76% below the world average of $10.07, 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.
Abrasive cloth exports from Kenya
Exports of abrasive cloth by Kenya reached $306 thousand in 2024 (34 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (34%), Uganda (32%), Rwanda (23%). Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+500% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $105K | 34% |
| Uganda | $97K | 32% |
| Rwanda | $72K | 24% |
| South Sudan | $14K | 4.7% |
| Malawi | $10K | 3.4% |
| DR Congo | $5K | 1.6% |
| Seychelles | $2K | 0.6% |
| Somalia | $1K | 0.2% |
| Singapore | $0K | 0.1% |
| Zambia | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya abrasive cloth imports (HS 6805): 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 6805: Abrasive powder or grain; natural or artificial, on a base of textile material, of paper, paperboard or of other material, whether or not cut to shape or sewn or otherwise made up.
Common questions
What is the value of abrasive cloth imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported abrasive cloth worth $2.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 95th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 5% on 2023.
Which countries supply abrasive cloth to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 50% of the value ($1.4 million), followed by Portugal (17%) and India (11%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 129% on the year.
What is the average import price of abrasive cloth per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.41 per kg in 2024, 76% below the world average of $10.07 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of abrasive cloth to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $2.7 million in 2024, a fall of 26%. The peak was 2017 at $3.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also export abrasive cloth?
Yes. Kenya exported $306 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for abrasive cloth?
The HS code for abrasive cloth is heading 6805. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 6805.20 (45% of the value) and 6805.10 (32%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Kenya. Tell us your product to see it live.
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