Natural colorant exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of natural colorant by Kenya reached $5.4 million in 2024 (235 tonnes). That is 37% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 14% 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 | $5.4M | 235 t |
| 2023 | $3.9M | 206 t |
| 2022 | $4.2M | 244 t |
| 2021 | $3.1M | 170 t |
| 2020 | $3.3M | 85 t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 78 t |
| 2018 | $2.8M | 84 t |
| 2017 | $2.1M | 47 t |
Where Kenya exports natural colorant to
The largest buyer markets were United States (37%), Peru (22%), Denmark (16%). Among the main buyer markets, Ireland grew fastest (+177% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $2.0M | 37% |
| Peru | $1.2M | 22% |
| Denmark | $845K | 16% |
| Brazil | $661K | 12% |
| United Kingdom | $193K | 3.6% |
| Russia | $172K | 3.2% |
| Ireland | $134K | 2.5% |
| South Africa | $98K | 1.8% |
| Uganda | $46K | 0.9% |
| Japan | $29K | 0.5% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $23.04 per kg, 24% above the world average of $18.62. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Natural colorant imports to Kenya
Imports of natural colorant by Kenya reached $1.7 million in 2024 (70 tonnes). Ireland alone supplied 59% of it. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+198% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | $1.0M | 59% |
| Denmark | $286K | 16% |
| India | $198K | 11% |
| United Kingdom | $105K | 6% |
| South Africa | $59K | 3.4% |
| Taiwan | $33K | 1.9% |
| China | $14K | 0.8% |
| Spain | $13K | 0.7% |
| Netherlands | $5K | 0.3% |
| Germany | $2K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya natural colorant exports (HS 3203): 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 3203: Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts, not animal black); whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin.
Common questions
What is the value of natural colorant exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported natural colorant worth $5.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 235 tonnes. That ranks it 27th of 136 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 37% on 2023.
Which countries buy natural colorant from Kenya?
The United States was the largest buyer with 37% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Peru (22%) and Denmark (16%). The top three together account for 74%, out of 20 buyer countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 177% on the year.
What is the average export price of natural colorant per kg?
The average declared export value was about $23.04 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $18.62 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of natural colorant from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $2.1 million in 2017 to $5.4 million in 2024, an increase of 155%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also import natural colorant?
Yes. Kenya imported $1.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Ireland, Denmark and India. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $3.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for natural colorant?
The HS code for natural colorant is heading 3203. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3203.00. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3203 page.
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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