Niobium ore exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Kenya exported $31.1 million of niobium ore in 2024 (17.8 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. Value fell 33% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2022, at $62.3 million.
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 | $31.1M | 17.8K t |
| 2023 | $46.2M | 23.6K t |
| 2022 | $62.3M | 28.9K t |
| 2021 | $44.2M | 29.5K t |
| 2020 | $40.3M | 32.3K t |
| 2019 | $47.3M | 55.1K t |
| 2018 | $49.5M | 35.7K t |
| 2017 | $41.2M | 65.5K t |
Where Kenya exports niobium ore to
China alone took 59% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.3M | 59% |
| Spain | $12.3M | 40% |
| Malaysia | $303K | 1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $187K | 0.6% |
| Burundi | $5K | 0% |
Product types under HS 2615
| 2615.10 | Zirconium ore | 99% |
| 2615.90 | Specialty metal ore | 0.6% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 2615.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.74 per kg, 33% above the world average of $1.31. 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.
Niobium ore imports to Kenya
Imports of niobium ore by Kenya reached $3.1 million in 2024 (71 tonnes). China alone supplied 100% of it.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $3.1M | 100% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya niobium ore exports (HS 2615): 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 2615: Niobium, tantalum, vanadium or zirconium ores and concentrates.
Common questions
What is the value of niobium ore exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported niobium ore worth $31.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 17.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 13th of 93 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was down 33% on 2023.
Which countries buy niobium ore from Kenya?
China was the largest buyer with 59% of the value ($18.3 million), followed by Spain (40%) and Malaysia (1%). The top three together account for 99%, out of 5 buyer countries in total.
What is the average export price of niobium ore per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.74 per kg in 2024, 33% above the world average of $1.31 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of niobium ore from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $41.2 million in 2017 to $31.1 million in 2024, a fall of 25%. The peak was 2022 at $62.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $45.3 million a year.
Does Kenya also import niobium ore?
Yes. Kenya imported $3.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $28.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for niobium ore?
The HS code for niobium ore is heading 2615. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 2615.10 (99% of the value) and 2615.90 (1%).
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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