Cotton terry towels imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported cotton terry towels worth $3.8 million (1.5 thousand tonnes). That is 12% more than in 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2021, at $7.4 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 | $3.8M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $3.4M | 1.4K t |
| 2022 | $4.5M | 1.4K t |
| 2021 | $7.4M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 748 t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.4M | 917 t |
| 2017 | $3.4M | 735 t |
Where Kenya imports cotton terry towels from
Most of the value came from China (33%), Pakistan (29%), India (24%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+42% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.3M | 34% |
| Pakistan | $1.1M | 29% |
| India | $911K | 24% |
| Ethiopia | $237K | 6.2% |
| Egypt | $160K | 4.2% |
| South Africa | $65K | 1.7% |
| Turkey | $28K | 0.7% |
| United Kingdom | $12K | 0.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $10K | 0.3% |
| United States | $4K | 0.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.50 per kg, 66% below the world average of $7.32, 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.
Cotton terry towels exports from Kenya
Exports of cotton terry towels by Kenya reached $260 thousand in 2024 (42 tonnes). France alone took 51% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $132K | 51% |
| Tanzania | $35K | 14% |
| Ghana | $24K | 9.3% |
| Spain | $15K | 5.7% |
| South Sudan | $13K | 4.8% |
| Germany | $10K | 4% |
| Uganda | $5K | 2.1% |
| United States | $5K | 1.9% |
| Rwanda | $5K | 1.9% |
| Burundi | $3K | 1.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya cotton terry towels imports (HS 6302.60): 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 6302.60: Kitchen and toilet linen: of terry towelling or similar terry fabrics, of cotton.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton terry towels imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported cotton terry towels worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 88th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton terry towels to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 33% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by Pakistan (29%) and India (24%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 34 supplier countries in total. Turkey grew fastest among the top ten, up 69% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton terry towels per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.50 per kg in 2024, 66% below the world average of $7.32 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of cotton terry towels to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.4 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, an increase of 11%. The peak was 2021 at $7.4 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.9 million a year.
Does Kenya also export cotton terry towels?
Yes. Kenya exported $260 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to France, Tanzania and Ghana. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $3.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton terry towels?
The HS code for cotton terry towels is subheading 6302.60. It sits in HS chapter 63 (textiles, made up articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 6302 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Kenya, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World cotton terry towels trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Kenya
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