Paint thinner imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported paint thinner worth $8.7 million (6.4 thousand tonnes). That is 7% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 15% 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 | $8.7M | 6.4K t |
| 2023 | $8.1M | 5.2K t |
| 2022 | $8.9M | 5.5K t |
| 2021 | $7.0M | 6.3K t |
| 2020 | $5.3M | 5.2K t |
| 2019 | $5.8M | 5.1K t |
| 2018 | $5.8M | 5.5K t |
| 2017 | $3.3M | 3.1K t |
Where Kenya imports paint thinner from
The largest suppliers were India (30%), Egypt (20%), Portugal (10%). Among the main suppliers, Portugal grew fastest (+87% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $2.6M | 30% |
| Egypt | $1.7M | 20% |
| Portugal | $874K | 10% |
| United Kingdom | $811K | 9.4% |
| South Africa | $488K | 5.6% |
| Kuwait | $375K | 4.3% |
| South Korea | $351K | 4.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | $349K | 4% |
| Italy | $250K | 2.9% |
| Netherlands | $174K | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.35 per kg, 44% below the world average of $2.40, 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.
Paint thinner exports from Kenya
Exports of paint thinner by Kenya reached $3.2 million in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). Rwanda alone took 58% of it.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rwanda | $1.8M | 58% |
| Uganda | $300K | 9.5% |
| DR Congo | $273K | 8.6% |
| Tanzania | $272K | 8.6% |
| Burundi | $204K | 6.4% |
| Italy | $148K | 4.7% |
| Ethiopia | $67K | 2.1% |
| South Sudan | $27K | 0.9% |
| Nigeria | $20K | 0.6% |
| South Africa | $5K | 0.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya paint thinner imports (HS 3814): 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 3814: Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included; prepared paint or varnish removers.
Common questions
What is the value of paint thinner imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported paint thinner worth $8.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 6.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 60th of 221 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 7% on 2023.
Which countries supply paint thinner to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($2.6 million), followed by Egypt (20%) and Portugal (10%). The top three together account for 60%, out of 36 supplier countries in total. Portugal grew fastest among the top ten, up 87% on the year.
What is the average import price of paint thinner per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.35 per kg in 2024, 44% below the world average of $2.40 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of paint thinner to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $3.3 million in 2017 to $8.7 million in 2024, an increase of 161%. The peak was 2022 at $8.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $6.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also export paint thinner?
Yes. Kenya exported $3.2 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Rwanda, Uganda and the DR Congo. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $5.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for paint thinner?
The HS code for paint thinner is heading 3814. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 3814.00. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3814 page.
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.
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