Filament sewing thread imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported filament sewing thread worth $9.6 million (1.6 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value rose 38% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $9.6M | 1.6K t |
| 2023 | $7.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 1.5K t |
| 2021 | $6.8M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 933 t |
| 2019 | $6.6M | 1.1K t |
| 2018 | $4.6M | 933 t |
| 2017 | $4.3M | 841 t |
Where Kenya imports filament sewing thread from
The largest suppliers were China (29%), Sri Lanka (29%), Egypt (19%). Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+161% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.8M | 29% |
| Sri Lanka | $2.8M | 29% |
| Egypt | $1.8M | 19% |
| Taiwan | $836K | 8.7% |
| Oman | $664K | 6.9% |
| India | $434K | 4.5% |
| Hong Kong | $92K | 1% |
| Germany | $30K | 0.3% |
| Turkey | $27K | 0.3% |
| United Kingdom | $20K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 5401
| 5401.10 | Sewing thread: of synthetic filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale | 95% |
| 5401.20 | Artificial filament sewing thread | 5.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5401.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.16 per kg, 26% below the world average of $8.28, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya filament sewing thread imports (HS 5401): 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 5401: Sewing thread of man-made filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of filament sewing thread imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported filament sewing thread worth $9.6 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 36th of 205 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was up 38% on 2023.
Which countries supply filament sewing thread to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 29% of the value ($2.8 million), followed by Sri Lanka (29%) and Egypt (19%). The top three together account for 77%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 166% on the year.
What is the average import price of filament sewing thread per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.16 per kg in 2024, 26% below the world average of $8.28 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of filament sewing thread to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.3 million in 2017 to $9.6 million in 2024, an increase of 126%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $6.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for filament sewing thread?
The HS code for filament sewing thread is heading 5401. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 5401.10 (95% of the value) and 5401.20 (5%).
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 filament sewing thread trade: top importers and exporters
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