Iron ore imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported iron ore worth $81.3 million (1.06 million tonnes). That is 23% less than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 85% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2023, at $106.3 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 | $81.3M | 1.06M t |
| 2023 | $106.3M | 9.28M t |
| 2022 | $60.4M | 533.7K t |
| 2021 | $12.5M | 154.9K t |
| 2020 | $2K | 1 t |
| 2019 | $3K | 3 t |
| 2018 | $6.6M | 12.1K t |
| 2017 | $1.1M | 44.9K t |
Where Kenya imports iron ore from
India alone supplied 53% of it. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest (+421% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $42.8M | 53% |
| Uganda | $29.8M | 37% |
| South Africa | $6.6M | 8.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $1.9M | 2.4% |
| Rwanda | $180K | 0.2% |
Product types under HS 2601
| 2601.12 | Iron ore pellets | 52% |
| 2601.11 | Iron ores and concentrates: non-agglomerated | 48% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2601.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.08 per kg, 20% below the world average of $0.10, 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 iron ore imports (HS 2601): 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 2601: Iron ores and concentrates; including roasted iron pyrites.
Common questions
What is the value of iron ore imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported iron ore worth $81.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.06 million tonnes. That ranks it 45th of 123 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 23% on 2023.
Which countries supply iron ore to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 53% of the value ($42.8 million), followed by Uganda (37%) and South Africa (8%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 5 supplier countries in total. India grew fastest among the top ten, up 421% on the year.
What is the average import price of iron ore per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.08 per kg in 2024, 20% below the world average of $0.10 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of iron ore to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.1 million in 2017 to $81.3 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $106.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $33.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron ore?
The HS code for iron ore is heading 2601. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 2601.12 (52% of the value) and 2601.11 (48%).
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.
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