Ink imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of ink by Kenya reached $12.9 million in 2024 (1.9 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $18.8 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 | $12.9M | 1.9K t |
| 2023 | $12.9M | 1.7K t |
| 2022 | $18.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2021 | $17.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $17.5M | 2.2K t |
| 2019 | $18.8M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $11.5M | 1.7K t |
| 2017 | $9.9M | 1.4K t |
Where Kenya imports ink from
The largest suppliers were India (17%), France (15%), China (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 40%. Among the main suppliers, Italy grew fastest (+157% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.1M | 17% |
| France | $1.9M | 15% |
| China | $1.1M | 8.9% |
| South Korea | $984K | 7.6% |
| United Kingdom | $954K | 7.4% |
| Sweden | $742K | 5.7% |
| Italy | $679K | 5.3% |
| Switzerland | $641K | 5% |
| South Africa | $635K | 4.9% |
| Germany | $543K | 4.2% |
Product types under HS 3215
| 3215.19 | Colored printing ink | 61% |
| 3215.90 | Writing and drawing ink | 23% |
| 3215.11 | Black printing ink | 17% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3215.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.63 per kg, 50% below the world average of $13.13, 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.
Ink exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $3.7 million of ink in 2024 (907 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Ethiopia (42%), Tanzania (28%), Uganda (15%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | $1.6M | 42% |
| Tanzania | $1.0M | 28% |
| Uganda | $561K | 15% |
| Rwanda | $211K | 5.7% |
| India | $60K | 1.6% |
| Burundi | $58K | 1.6% |
| Madagascar | $54K | 1.4% |
| Nigeria | $47K | 1.3% |
| Zambia | $39K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $32K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya ink imports (HS 3215): 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 3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of ink imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported ink worth $12.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.9 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 81st of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply ink to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 17% of the value ($2.1 million), followed by France (15%) and China (9%). The top three together account for 40%, out of 43 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 157% on the year.
What is the average import price of ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.63 per kg in 2024, 50% below the world average of $13.13 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of ink to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.9 million in 2017 to $12.9 million in 2024, an increase of 30%. The peak was 2019 at $18.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $14.9 million a year.
Does Kenya also export ink?
Yes. Kenya exported $3.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $9.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for ink?
The HS code for ink is heading 3215. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3215.19 (61% of the value) and 3215.90 (23%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Kenya reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
Ink product types in Kenya
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