Printed matter imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of printed matter by Kenya reached $30.3 million in 2024 (1.7 thousand tonnes). Value rose 131% on 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 | $30.3M | 1.7K t |
| 2023 | $13.1M | 1.6K t |
| 2022 | $12.6M | 891 t |
| 2021 | $16.0M | 1.4K t |
| 2020 | $5.2M | 447 t |
| 2019 | $30.6M | 2.2K t |
| 2018 | $17.4M | 1.6K t |
| 2017 | $11.2M | 1.2K t |
Where Kenya imports printed matter from
One supplier dominates: Greece accounted for 58% of the value. Among the main suppliers, Malta grew fastest (+354% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Greece | $17.6M | 58% |
| Malta | $8.8M | 29% |
| China | $973K | 3.2% |
| France | $665K | 2.2% |
| Tanzania | $486K | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $384K | 1.3% |
| Italy | $234K | 0.8% |
| India | $216K | 0.7% |
| United States | $177K | 0.6% |
| Germany | $146K | 0.5% |
Product types under HS 4911
| 4911.99 | Printed matter (other types) | 93% |
| 4911.10 | Trade catalogues and advertising materials | 6% |
| 4911.91 | Printed pictures and photographs | 1.1% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 4911.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $18.10 per kg, 145% above the world average of $7.38. 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.
Printed matter exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $14.9 million of printed matter in 2024 (940 tonnes). United Arab Emirates alone took 85% of it. Among the main buyer markets, United Arab Emirates grew fastest (+107% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | $12.6M | 85% |
| Tanzania | $761K | 5.1% |
| Ethiopia | $300K | 2% |
| Zambia | $277K | 1.9% |
| Malawi | $162K | 1.1% |
| Mozambique | $141K | 1% |
| Madagascar | $134K | 0.9% |
| Rwanda | $93K | 0.6% |
| South Sudan | $79K | 0.5% |
| Uganda | $53K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya printed matter imports (HS 4911): 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 4911: Printed matter, n.e.c., including printed pictures and photographs.
Common questions
What is the value of printed matter imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported printed matter worth $30.3 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.7 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 47th of 224 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 131% on 2023.
Which countries supply printed matter to Kenya?
Greece was the largest supplier with 58% of the value ($17.6 million), followed by Malta (29%) and China (3%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 86 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 673% on the year.
What is the average import price of printed matter per kg?
The average declared import value was about $18.10 per kg in 2024, 145% above the world average of $7.38 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of printed matter to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $11.2 million in 2017 to $30.3 million in 2024, an increase of 170%. The peak was 2019 at $30.6 million. Over 8 years the average was $17.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also export printed matter?
Yes. Kenya exported $14.9 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania and Ethiopia. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $15.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for printed matter?
The HS code for printed matter is heading 4911. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 4911.99 (93% of the value) and 4911.10 (6%).
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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