Pigment imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of pigment by Kenya reached $40.8 million in 2024 (23.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 14% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 12% 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 | $40.8M | 23.3K t |
| 2023 | $35.6M | 21.9K t |
| 2022 | $41.4M | 19.0K t |
| 2021 | $45.0M | 21.5K t |
| 2020 | $35.0M | 19.8K t |
| 2019 | $33.5M | 17.9K t |
| 2018 | $27.5M | 13.6K t |
| 2017 | $18.6M | 9.8K t |
Where Kenya imports pigment from
Most of the value came from China (46%), India (31%), Vietnam (5%). Among the main suppliers, Vietnam grew fastest (+68% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $18.9M | 47% |
| India | $12.8M | 31% |
| Vietnam | $2.2M | 5.3% |
| Hong Kong | $1.4M | 3.3% |
| Malaysia | $1.1M | 2.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $952K | 2.3% |
| Belgium | $655K | 1.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | $464K | 1.1% |
| Mexico | $388K | 1% |
| South Korea | $329K | 0.8% |
Product types under HS 3206
| 3206.11 | Titanium dioxide pigments (high grade) | 51% |
| 3206.19 | Titanium dioxide pigments (standard) | 25% |
| 3206.49 | Pigments and preparations (other) | 22% |
| 3206.20 | Chromium compound pigments | 2% |
| 3206.41 | Ultramarine pigments | 0.3% |
| 3206.50 | Inorganic luminophores | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3206.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.75 per kg, 43% below the world average of $3.09, 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.
Pigment exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported pigment worth $2.1 million (512 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Burundi (33%), Tanzania (18%), Uganda (18%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Burundi | $704K | 33% |
| Tanzania | $390K | 18% |
| Uganda | $375K | 18% |
| Rwanda | $303K | 14% |
| DR Congo | $224K | 11% |
| Nigeria | $90K | 4.2% |
| Ethiopia | $25K | 1.2% |
| Republic of the Congo | $14K | 0.6% |
| South Sudan | $9K | 0.4% |
| Portugal | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya pigment imports (HS 3206): 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 3206: Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of pigment imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported pigment worth $40.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 23.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 210 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 14% on 2023.
Which countries supply pigment to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($18.9 million), followed by India (31%) and Vietnam (5%). The top three together account for 83%, out of 38 supplier countries in total. Vietnam grew fastest among the top ten, up 68% on the year.
What is the average import price of pigment per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024, 43% below the world average of $3.09 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of pigment to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $18.6 million in 2017 to $40.8 million in 2024, an increase of 120%. The peak was 2021 at $45.0 million. Over 8 years the average was $34.7 million a year.
Does Kenya also export pigment?
Yes. Kenya exported $2.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $38.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for pigment?
The HS code for pigment is heading 3206. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3206.11 (51% of the value) and 3206.19 (25%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Pigment product types in Kenya
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