Activated carbon imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $4.1 million of activated carbon in 2024 (5.5 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 20% a year on average.
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 | $4.1M | 5.5K t |
| 2023 | $4.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2022 | $3.7M | 5.0K t |
| 2021 | $3.5M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 4.1K t |
| 2019 | $1.8M | 3.1K t |
| 2018 | $1.5M | 2.7K t |
| 2017 | $1.2M | 2.4K t |
Where Kenya imports activated carbon from
India alone supplied 68% of it. Among the main suppliers, Turkey grew fastest (+85% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.8M | 68% |
| Turkey | $499K | 12% |
| China | $280K | 6.8% |
| United States | $163K | 4% |
| Sri Lanka | $151K | 3.7% |
| Spain | $71K | 1.7% |
| South Africa | $38K | 0.9% |
| Philippines | $20K | 0.5% |
| Mexico | $17K | 0.4% |
| Antigua and Barbuda | $16K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 3802
| 3802.10 | Carbon: activated | 51% |
| 3802.90 | Activated mineral | 49% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3802.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.75 per kg, close to the world average of $0.92.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Activated carbon exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $625 thousand of activated carbon in 2024 (467 tonnes). Most of it went to Uganda (35%), Tanzania (30%), Ethiopia (8%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+653% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $221K | 35% |
| Tanzania | $186K | 30% |
| Ethiopia | $49K | 7.8% |
| Eritrea | $47K | 7.5% |
| China | $34K | 5.5% |
| Zambia | $32K | 5.2% |
| South Africa | $28K | 4.4% |
| Switzerland | $9K | 1.5% |
| Burundi | $7K | 1.2% |
| Rwanda | $6K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya activated carbon imports (HS 3802): 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 3802: Activated carbon; activated natural mineral products; animal black, including spent animal black.
Common questions
What is the value of activated carbon imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported activated carbon worth $4.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 75th of 198 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 0% on 2023.
Which countries supply activated carbon to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 68% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Turkey (12%) and China (7%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 23 supplier countries in total. Mexico grew fastest among the top ten, up 534% on the year.
What is the average import price of activated carbon per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.75 per kg in 2024, 18% below the world average of $0.92 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of activated carbon to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.2 million in 2017 to $4.1 million in 2024, an increase of 248%. The peak was 2023 at $4.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $2.9 million a year.
Does Kenya also export activated carbon?
Yes. Kenya exported $625 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $3.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for activated carbon?
The HS code for activated carbon is heading 3802. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3802.10 (51% of the value) and 3802.90 (49%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Kenya 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
Activated carbon product types in Kenya
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