Light diesel trucks <5 tonnes imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $71.3 million of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes in 2024 (8.0 thousand tonnes). Value fell 21% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2018, at $115.7 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 | $71.3M | 8.0K t |
| 2023 | $90.2M | 8.5K t |
| 2022 | $80.2M | 10.2K t |
| 2021 | $86.6M | 7.9K t |
| 2020 | $72.0M | 8.1K t |
| 2019 | $91.4M | 9.6K t |
| 2018 | $115.7M | 14.7K t |
| 2017 | $87.9M | 10.3K t |
Where Kenya imports light diesel trucks <5 tonnes from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 51% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Tanzania grew fastest (+49% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $36.3M | 51% |
| Japan | $24.1M | 34% |
| Thailand | $5.2M | 7.3% |
| India | $2.3M | 3.2% |
| Tanzania | $2.0M | 2.8% |
| China | $943K | 1.3% |
| Uganda | $247K | 0.4% |
| United Kingdom | $124K | 0.2% |
| Zimbabwe | $45K | 0.1% |
| United States | $20K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $8.88 per kg, 22% below the world average of $11.39, 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.
Light diesel trucks <5 tonnes exports from Kenya
Exports of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes by Kenya reached $3.2 million in 2024 (407 tonnes). Tanzania alone took 81% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $2.6M | 81% |
| Uganda | $523K | 17% |
| Zambia | $37K | 1.2% |
| South Sudan | $18K | 0.6% |
| El Salvador | $10K | 0.3% |
| Malawi | $5K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya light diesel trucks <5 tonnes imports (HS 8704.21): 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 8704.21: Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1.
Common questions
What is the value of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported light diesel trucks <5 tonnes worth $71.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 84th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 21% on 2023.
Which countries supply light diesel trucks <5 tonnes to Kenya?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 51% of the value ($36.3 million), followed by Japan (34%) and Thailand (7%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 61% on the year.
What is the average import price of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes per kg?
The average declared import value was about $8.88 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $11.39 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of light diesel trucks <5 tonnes to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $87.9 million in 2017 to $71.3 million in 2024, a fall of 19%. The peak was 2018 at $115.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $86.9 million a year.
Does Kenya also export light diesel trucks <5 tonnes?
Yes. Kenya exported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $68.2 million a year.
What is the HS code for light diesel trucks <5 tonnes?
The HS code for light diesel trucks <5 tonnes is subheading 8704.21. It sits in HS chapter 87 (vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8704 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; the company-level detail sits in EximDataX, which has a direct customs feed for Kenya. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World light diesel trucks <5 tonnes trade: top importers and exporters
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