Iron oxide imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported iron oxide worth $3.1 million (3.2 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 2022, at $4.9 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 | $3.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 3.2K t |
| 2022 | $4.9M | 4.0K t |
| 2021 | $4.1M | 3.9K t |
| 2020 | $3.4M | 3.9K t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 4.0K t |
| 2018 | $3.0M | 3.2K t |
| 2017 | $3.7M | 3.9K t |
Where Kenya imports iron oxide from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 75% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Germany grew fastest (+56% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $2.3M | 75% |
| India | $541K | 18% |
| Germany | $136K | 4.4% |
| Brazil | $71K | 2.3% |
| South Korea | $18K | 0.6% |
| South Africa | $3K | 0.1% |
| Turkey | $1K | 0% |
| Portugal | $0K | 0% |
| Israel | $0K | 0% |
| Finland | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2821
| 2821.10 | Iron oxides and hydroxides | 97% |
| 2821.20 | Earth colours: containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3 | 2.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2821.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.95 per kg, close to the world average of $1.04.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Iron oxide exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $215 thousand of iron oxide in 2024 (1.2 thousand tonnes). Most of it went to China (31%), Uganda (29%), South Sudan (18%). Among the main buyer markets, South Sudan grew fastest (+135% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $67K | 31% |
| Uganda | $62K | 29% |
| South Sudan | $40K | 18% |
| Rwanda | $20K | 9.3% |
| Burundi | $17K | 7.9% |
| Republic of the Congo | $7K | 3.4% |
| Tanzania | $2K | 0.9% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya iron oxide imports (HS 2821): 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 2821: Iron oxides and hydroxides; earth colours containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3.
Common questions
What is the value of iron oxide imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported iron oxide worth $3.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 188 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply iron oxide to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 75% of the value ($2.3 million), followed by India (18%) and Germany (4%). The top three together account for 97%, out of 10 supplier countries in total. South Korea grew fastest among the top ten, up 583% on the year.
What is the average import price of iron oxide per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.95 per kg in 2024, 9% below the world average of $1.04 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of iron oxide to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.7 million in 2017 to $3.1 million in 2024, a fall of 18%. The peak was 2022 at $4.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also export iron oxide?
Yes. Kenya exported $215 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to China, Uganda and South Sudan. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for iron oxide?
The HS code for iron oxide is heading 2821. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 2821.10 (97% of the value) and 2821.20 (3%).
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.
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