Polyethylene bags imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of polyethylene bags by Kenya reached $3.8 million in 2024 (1.0 thousand tonnes). Value rose 26% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 8% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2017, at $6.8 million.
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 | $3.8M | 1.0K t |
| 2023 | $3.0M | 693 t |
| 2022 | $2.8M | 749 t |
| 2021 | $2.3M | 739 t |
| 2020 | $2.0M | 646 t |
| 2019 | $2.2M | 645 t |
| 2018 | $4.0M | 996 t |
| 2017 | $6.8M | 3.0K t |
Where Kenya imports polyethylene bags from
Most of the value came from China (46%), India (12%), Philippines (9%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+62% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.7M | 46% |
| India | $434K | 12% |
| Philippines | $320K | 8.5% |
| Italy | $165K | 4.4% |
| Turkey | $150K | 4% |
| Hong Kong | $135K | 3.6% |
| Uganda | $94K | 2.5% |
| Egypt | $93K | 2.5% |
| United Kingdom | $81K | 2.1% |
| Malaysia | $78K | 2.1% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.63 per kg, 24% above the world average of $2.93. 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.
Polyethylene bags exports from Kenya
Exports of polyethylene bags by Kenya reached $1.1 million in 2024 (346 tonnes). Ethiopia alone took 53% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+182% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | $573K | 53% |
| Rwanda | $123K | 12% |
| Tanzania | $112K | 10% |
| Burundi | $99K | 9.3% |
| Uganda | $43K | 4% |
| DR Congo | $32K | 3% |
| Egypt | $31K | 2.9% |
| South Africa | $17K | 1.6% |
| Zambia | $12K | 1.2% |
| United Kingdom | $6K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya polyethylene bags imports (HS 3923.21): 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 3923.21: Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Common questions
What is the value of polyethylene bags imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported polyethylene bags worth $3.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 131st of 223 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 26% on 2023.
Which countries supply polyethylene bags to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by India (12%) and the Philippines (9%). The top three together account for 66%, out of 42 supplier countries in total. The United Kingdom grew fastest among the top ten, up 83% on the year.
What is the average import price of polyethylene bags per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.63 per kg in 2024, 24% above the world average of $2.93 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of polyethylene bags to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $6.8 million in 2017 to $3.8 million in 2024, a fall of 45%. The peak was 2017 at $6.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.4 million a year.
Does Kenya also export polyethylene bags?
Yes. Kenya exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for polyethylene bags?
The HS code for polyethylene bags is subheading 3923.21. It sits in HS chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3923 page.
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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