Nonwoven fabric imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported nonwoven fabric worth $34.9 million (16.8 thousand tonnes). Value rose 57% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 21% 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 | $34.9M | 16.8K t |
| 2023 | $22.2M | 10.0K t |
| 2022 | $23.1M | 9.3K t |
| 2021 | $18.7M | 7.4K t |
| 2020 | $11.9M | 6.1K t |
| 2019 | $8.8M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $10.4M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $9.3M | 3.1K t |
Where Kenya imports nonwoven fabric from
One supplier dominates: China accounted for 88% of the value. Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+70% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $30.9M | 88% |
| Hong Kong | $626K | 1.8% |
| Mexico | $572K | 1.6% |
| Turkey | $413K | 1.2% |
| India | $362K | 1% |
| Egypt | $215K | 0.6% |
| United States | $199K | 0.6% |
| Italy | $194K | 0.6% |
| Israel | $179K | 0.5% |
| South Africa | $174K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 5603
| 5603.11 | Light nonwoven synthetic fabric | 56% |
| 5603.12 | Medium nonwoven synthetic fabric | 14% |
| 5603.91 | Light nonwoven natural fabric | 7.8% |
| 5603.94 | Very heavy nonwoven natural fabric | 7.1% |
| 5603.93 | Heavy nonwoven natural fabric | 5.6% |
| 5603.92 | Medium nonwoven natural fabric | 4.1% |
| 5603.14 | Very heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric | 4% |
| 5603.13 | Heavy nonwoven synthetic fabric | 1.7% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5603.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.09 per kg, 49% below the world average of $4.06, 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.
Nonwoven fabric exports from Kenya
Exports of nonwoven fabric by Kenya reached $1.1 million in 2024 (516 tonnes). Most of it went to Zambia (46%), Uganda (14%), Tanzania (12%). Among the main buyer markets, Ethiopia grew fastest (+55% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Zambia | $488K | 46% |
| Uganda | $146K | 14% |
| Tanzania | $132K | 12% |
| Ethiopia | $100K | 9.4% |
| Rwanda | $92K | 8.7% |
| Burundi | $72K | 6.8% |
| Somalia | $19K | 1.7% |
| Hungary | $13K | 1.2% |
| DR Congo | $2K | 0.2% |
| Germany | $1K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya nonwoven fabric imports (HS 5603): 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 5603: Nonwovens; whether or not impregnated, coated, covered or laminated.
Common questions
What is the value of nonwoven fabric imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported nonwoven fabric worth $34.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 16.8 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 73rd of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 57% on 2023.
Which countries supply nonwoven fabric to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 88% of the value ($30.9 million), followed by Hong Kong (2%) and Mexico (2%). The top three together account for 92%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 486% on the year.
What is the average import price of nonwoven fabric per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.09 per kg in 2024, 49% below the world average of $4.06 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of nonwoven fabric to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $9.3 million in 2017 to $34.9 million in 2024, an increase of 275%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $17.4 million a year.
Does Kenya also export nonwoven fabric?
Yes. Kenya exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $33.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for nonwoven fabric?
The HS code for nonwoven fabric is heading 5603. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 5603.11 (56% of the value) and 5603.12 (14%).
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
Nonwoven fabric product types in Kenya
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