Detergent imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of detergent by Kenya reached $51.2 million in 2024 (35.3 thousand tonnes). That is 13% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $66.7 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 | $51.2M | 35.3K t |
| 2023 | $58.6M | 47.8K t |
| 2022 | $51.1M | 39.1K t |
| 2021 | $66.7M | 49.7K t |
| 2020 | $60.4M | 46.6K t |
| 2019 | $54.9M | 43.3K t |
| 2018 | $32.4M | 21.1K t |
| 2017 | $23.0M | 19.6K t |
Where Kenya imports detergent from
Most of the value came from Egypt (28%), China (23%), India (20%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+50% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $14.5M | 28% |
| China | $12.0M | 24% |
| India | $10.0M | 20% |
| Tanzania | $2.5M | 4.8% |
| Germany | $1.5M | 2.9% |
| Malaysia | $1.4M | 2.7% |
| South Africa | $1.2M | 2.3% |
| United Kingdom | $993K | 1.9% |
| United Arab Emirates | $851K | 1.7% |
| Belgium | $683K | 1.3% |
Product types under HS 3402
| 3402.11 | Anionic surfactant | 40% |
| 3402.20 | Retail laundry detergent | 29% |
| 3402.90 | Bulk washing concentrate | 13% |
| 3402.13 | Non-ionic surfactant | 11% |
| 3402.19 | Amphoteric surfactant | 4.9% |
| 3402.12 | Cationic surfactant | 2.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3402.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.45 per kg, 23% below the world average of $1.88, 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.
Detergent exports from Kenya
Exports of detergent by Kenya reached $45.1 million in 2024 (32.9 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Uganda (26%), Rwanda (25%), Tanzania (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+38% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $11.9M | 26% |
| Rwanda | $11.3M | 25% |
| Tanzania | $10.1M | 22% |
| DR Congo | $7.9M | 18% |
| Ethiopia | $1.0M | 2.3% |
| Burundi | $977K | 2.2% |
| South Africa | $463K | 1% |
| Zambia | $423K | 0.9% |
| Malawi | $348K | 0.8% |
| South Sudan | $275K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya detergent imports (HS 3402): 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: Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 3401.
Common questions
What is the value of detergent imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported detergent worth $51.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 35.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 105th of 225 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 13% on 2023.
Which countries supply detergent to Kenya?
Egypt was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($14.5 million), followed by China (23%) and India (20%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 65 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 50% on the year.
What is the average import price of detergent per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.45 per kg in 2024, 23% below the world average of $1.88 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of detergent to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $23.0 million in 2017 to $51.2 million in 2024, an increase of 123%. The peak was 2021 at $66.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $49.8 million a year.
Does Kenya also export detergent?
Yes. Kenya exported $45.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. That compares with imports of $51.2 million in the same year.
What is the HS code for detergent?
The HS code for detergent is heading 3402. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3402.11 (40% of the value) and 3402.20 (29%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Detergent product types in Kenya
More trade data for Kenya
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