Modified starch imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported modified starch worth $6.9 million (5.4 thousand tonnes). The value was almost unchanged from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 25% a year on average.
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 | $6.9M | 5.4K t |
| 2023 | $7.0M | 4.2K t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 3.9K t |
| 2021 | $3.9M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $2.9M | 2.4K t |
| 2019 | $3.3M | 3.2K t |
| 2018 | $2.0M | 2.5K t |
| 2017 | $1.4M | 1.7K t |
Where Kenya imports modified starch from
The largest suppliers were Austria (28%), Thailand (12%), United States (11%). Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+118% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | $1.9M | 28% |
| Thailand | $840K | 12% |
| United States | $792K | 12% |
| China | $767K | 11% |
| India | $633K | 9.2% |
| Italy | $401K | 5.8% |
| Uganda | $316K | 4.6% |
| Germany | $279K | 4% |
| South Africa | $279K | 4% |
| Netherlands | $99K | 1.4% |
Product types under HS 3505
| 3505.10 | Dextrins and other modified starches | 83% |
| 3505.20 | Starch adhesive | 17% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3505.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.27 per kg, close to the world average of $1.27.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Modified starch exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $3.0 million of modified starch in 2024 (1.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Uganda (44%), Rwanda (21%), Tanzania (20%).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $1.3M | 44% |
| Rwanda | $634K | 21% |
| Tanzania | $611K | 20% |
| South Africa | $185K | 6.1% |
| Ethiopia | $184K | 6.1% |
| South Sudan | $48K | 1.6% |
| Burundi | $24K | 0.8% |
| DR Congo | $3K | 0.1% |
| Pakistan | $2K | 0.1% |
| Nigeria | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya modified starch imports (HS 3505): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 3505: Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches.
Common questions
What is the value of modified starch imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported modified starch worth $6.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 77th of 205 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply modified starch to Kenya?
Austria was the largest supplier with 28% of the value ($1.9 million), followed by Thailand (12%) and the United States (11%). The top three together account for 51%, out of 32 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 118% on the year.
What is the average import price of modified starch per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.27 per kg in 2024, close to the world average of $1.27 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of modified starch to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.4 million in 2017 to $6.9 million in 2024, an increase of 377%. The peak was 2023 at $7.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $4.1 million a year.
Does Kenya also export modified starch?
Yes. Kenya exported $3.0 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $3.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for modified starch?
The HS code for modified starch is heading 3505. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3505.10 (83% of the value) and 3505.20 (17%).
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
Modified starch product types in Kenya
More trade data for Kenya
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