Lubricant exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
In 2024, Kenya exported lubricant worth $5.7 million (2.6 thousand tonnes). That is 83% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 55% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5.7M | 2.6K t |
| 2023 | $3.1M | 1.8K t |
| 2022 | $2.3M | 1.9K t |
| 2021 | $2.0M | 1.2K t |
| 2020 | $1.8M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.8M | 2.8K t |
| 2018 | $2.2M | 1.1K t |
| 2017 | $261K | 111 t |
Where Kenya exports lubricant to
Most of it went to Ethiopia (33%), Zambia (23%), DR Congo (17%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+297% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | $1.9M | 33% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 23% |
| DR Congo | $989K | 17% |
| Republic of the Congo | $483K | 8.4% |
| Burundi | $451K | 7.9% |
| Rwanda | $196K | 3.4% |
| Central African Republic | $168K | 2.9% |
| Tanzania | $153K | 2.7% |
| Uganda | $48K | 0.8% |
| Eritrea | $27K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 3403
| 3403.99 | Non-petroleum lubricant | 89% |
| 3403.91 | Textile treatment oil | 6% |
| 3403.19 | General lubricant | 5% |
| 3403.11 | Textile lubricant | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3403.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.23 per kg, 53% below the world average of $4.73, 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.
Lubricant imports to Kenya
Kenya imported $4.8 million of lubricant in 2024 (1.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were United States (29%), India (17%), Germany (13%). Among the main suppliers, South Korea grew fastest (+696% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.4M | 29% |
| India | $788K | 17% |
| Germany | $612K | 13% |
| China | $552K | 12% |
| Italy | $316K | 6.6% |
| Spain | $226K | 4.8% |
| United Kingdom | $208K | 4.4% |
| South Korea | $108K | 2.3% |
| United Arab Emirates | $93K | 1.9% |
| South Africa | $86K | 1.8% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya lubricant exports (HS 3403): 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 3403: Lubricating preparations and those used in oil or grease treatment of textile and similar materials; excluding preparations containing 70% or more (by weight) of petroleum or bituminous mineral oils.
Common questions
What is the value of lubricant exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported lubricant worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 50th of 187 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 83% on 2023.
Which countries buy lubricant from Kenya?
Ethiopia was the largest buyer with 33% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Zambia (23%) and the DR Congo (17%). The top three together account for 73%, out of 26 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 297% on the year.
What is the average export price of lubricant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $2.23 per kg in 2024, 53% below the world average of $4.73 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of lubricant from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $261 thousand in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also import lubricant?
Yes. Kenya imported $4.8 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from the United States, India and Germany. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $972 thousand a year.
What is the HS code for lubricant?
The HS code for lubricant is heading 3403. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3403.99 (89% of the value) and 3403.91 (6%).
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
Lubricant product types in Kenya
More trade data for Kenya
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