Forklift imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported forklift worth $37.0 million (4.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 117% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 16% 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 | $37.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2023 | $17.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $17.7M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $15.9M | 3.3K t |
| 2020 | $14.1M | 2.9K t |
| 2019 | $14.6M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $13.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2017 | $13.2M | 3.2K t |
Where Kenya imports forklift from
The largest suppliers were Netherlands (44%), China (36%), Sweden (5%). Among the main suppliers, Sweden grew fastest (+168% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Netherlands | $16.4M | 44% |
| China | $13.2M | 36% |
| Sweden | $1.7M | 4.5% |
| Japan | $1.6M | 4.3% |
| Poland | $1.0M | 2.8% |
| South Africa | $552K | 1.5% |
| India | $470K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $451K | 1.2% |
| Hong Kong | $346K | 0.9% |
| Ireland | $251K | 0.7% |
Product types under HS 8427
| 8427.20 | Forklifts (internal combustion) | 73% |
| 8427.90 | Manual and towed forklifts | 15% |
| 8427.10 | Electric forklifts | 12% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8427.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.89 per kg, 45% above the world average of $6.11. 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.
Forklift exports from Kenya
Exports of forklift by Kenya reached $938 thousand in 2024 (167 tonnes). Most of it went to Rwanda (33%), Uganda (31%), Tanzania (23%). Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+276% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | $310K | 33% |
| Uganda | $290K | 31% |
| Tanzania | $212K | 23% |
| Somalia | $79K | 8.5% |
| South Sudan | $37K | 3.9% |
| DR Congo | $10K | 1% |
| United Kingdom | $0K | 0% |
| Comoros | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya forklift imports (HS 8427): 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 8427: Fork-lift and other works trucks; fitted with lifting or handling equipment.
Common questions
What is the value of forklift imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported forklift worth $37.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 4.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 64th of 222 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 117% on 2023.
Which countries supply forklift to Kenya?
The Netherlands was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($16.4 million), followed by China (36%) and Sweden (5%). The top three together account for 85%, out of 25 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 205% on the year.
What is the average import price of forklift per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.89 per kg in 2024, 45% above the world average of $6.11 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of forklift to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $13.2 million in 2017 to $37.0 million in 2024, an increase of 180%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $17.8 million a year.
Does Kenya also export forklift?
Yes. Kenya exported $938 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $36.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for forklift?
The HS code for forklift is heading 8427. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 8427.20 (73% of the value) and 8427.90 (15%).
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
Forklift product types in Kenya
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