Match exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Kenya exported $11.9 million of match in 2024 (7.4 thousand tonnes). That makes it the 3rd largest exporter of this product worldwide, out of 103 countries. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 48% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.9M | 7.4K t |
| 2023 | $12.1M | 6.8K t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 5.6K t |
| 2021 | $10.1M | 6.7K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 3.7K t |
| 2019 | $3.9M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $2.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $777K | 419 t |
Where Kenya exports match to
Tanzania alone took 68% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $8.0M | 68% |
| Rwanda | $1.5M | 13% |
| Zambia | $1.3M | 11% |
| Uganda | $749K | 6.3% |
| Burundi | $166K | 1.4% |
| DR Congo | $138K | 1.2% |
| South Sudan | $53K | 0.5% |
| Malawi | $0K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.60 per kg, 24% below the world average of $2.10, 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.
Match imports to Kenya
Kenya imported $973 thousand of match in 2024 (950 tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. India alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $972K | 100% |
| South Africa | $1K | 0.1% |
| China | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya match exports (HS 3605): 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 3605: Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604.
Common questions
What is the value of match exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported match worth $11.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 7.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 3rd of 103 countries worldwide, with 7% of world exports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries buy match from Kenya?
Tanzania was the largest buyer with 68% of the value ($8.0 million), followed by Rwanda (12%) and Zambia (11%). The top three together account for 91%, out of 8 buyer countries in total. The DR Congo grew fastest among the top ten, up 23% on the year.
What is the average export price of match per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.60 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $2.10 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of match from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $776 thousand in 2017 to $11.9 million in 2024. The peak was 2023 at $12.1 million. Over 8 years the average was $7.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also import match?
Yes. Kenya imported $973 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, South Africa and China. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $10.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for match?
The HS code for match is heading 3605. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3605.00. It sits in HS chapter 36 (explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3605 page.
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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