Anionic surfactant imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported anionic surfactant worth $20.5 million (15.5 thousand tonnes). Value rose 48% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% 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 | $20.5M | 15.5K t |
| 2023 | $13.8M | 11.4K t |
| 2022 | $8.1M | 5.2K t |
| 2021 | $18.4M | 13.1K t |
| 2020 | $11.5M | 11.9K t |
| 2019 | $10.6M | 9.8K t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 5.2K t |
| 2017 | $6.3M | 5.2K t |
Where Kenya imports anionic surfactant from
The largest suppliers were India (36%), China (31%), Egypt (24%). Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $7.3M | 36% |
| China | $6.3M | 31% |
| Egypt | $4.8M | 24% |
| Tanzania | $546K | 2.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $275K | 1.4% |
| Germany | $171K | 0.8% |
| Denmark | $158K | 0.8% |
| Qatar | $153K | 0.8% |
| United Kingdom | $138K | 0.7% |
| Malaysia | $123K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.32 per kg, close to the world average of $1.65.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Anionic surfactant exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $2.5 million of anionic surfactant in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). Uganda alone took 60% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+380% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $1.5M | 60% |
| Rwanda | $479K | 19% |
| Tanzania | $416K | 17% |
| Mauritius | $37K | 1.5% |
| Zambia | $18K | 0.7% |
| South Africa | $13K | 0.5% |
| Nigeria | $11K | 0.4% |
| DR Congo | $9K | 0.4% |
| Burundi | $4K | 0.2% |
| Malawi | $3K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya anionic surfactant imports (HS 3402.11): 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 3402.11: Organic surface-active agents: anionic (other than soap), whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of anionic surfactant imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported anionic surfactant worth $20.5 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 15.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 53rd of 214 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 48% on 2023.
Which countries supply anionic surfactant to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 36% of the value ($7.3 million), followed by China (31%) and Egypt (24%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 31 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 395% on the year.
What is the average import price of anionic surfactant per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.32 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $1.65 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of anionic surfactant to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.3 million in 2017 to $20.5 million in 2024, an increase of 224%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $11.9 million a year.
Does Kenya also export anionic surfactant?
Yes. Kenya exported $2.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $18.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for anionic surfactant?
The HS code for anionic surfactant is subheading 3402.11. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 page.
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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