Cotton yarn imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $7.4 million of cotton yarn in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). Value fell 11% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 22% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2022, at $9.9 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 | $7.4M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $8.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 1.8K t |
| 2021 | $6.3M | 1.5K t |
| 2020 | $3.0M | 883 t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 1.0K t |
| 2018 | $2.5M | 1.0K t |
| 2017 | $1.9M | 747 t |
Where Kenya imports cotton yarn from
One supplier dominates: India accounted for 70% of the value.
Product types under HS 5205
| 5205.23 | Combed medium-fine cotton yarn | 34% |
| 5205.22 | Combed medium cotton yarn | 27% |
| 5205.24 | Combed fine cotton yarn | 19% |
| 5205.42 | Twisted combed medium cotton yarn | 13% |
| 5205.12 | Medium cotton yarn | 2.1% |
| 5205.32 | Twisted medium cotton yarn | 1.9% |
| 5205.11 | Coarse cotton yarn | 1.4% |
| 5205.31 | Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), multiple or cabled, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by weight of cotton, 714.29 decitex or more (not exceeding 14… | 0.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5205.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.94 per kg, 31% above the world average of $3.00. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya cotton yarn imports (HS 5205): 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 5205: Cotton yarn (other than sewing thread), containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of cotton yarn imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported cotton yarn worth $7.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 67th of 183 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 11% on 2023.
Which countries supply cotton yarn to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 70% of the value ($5.2 million), followed by China (15%) and Tanzania (13%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 15 supplier countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 34% on the year.
What is the average import price of cotton yarn per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.94 per kg in 2024, 31% above the world average of $3.00 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 yarn to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.9 million in 2017 to $7.4 million in 2024, an increase of 295%. The peak was 2022 at $9.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for cotton yarn?
The HS code for cotton yarn is heading 5205. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 5205.23 (34% of the value) and 5205.22 (27%).
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
Cotton yarn product types in Kenya
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