Retail laundry detergent exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Kenya exported $24.0 million of retail laundry detergent in 2024 (18.6 thousand tonnes). That is 12% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 25% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $24.0M | 18.6K t |
| 2023 | $21.4M | 15.8K t |
| 2022 | $17.4M | 13.7K t |
| 2021 | $17.7M | 16.0K t |
| 2020 | $19.0M | 17.0K t |
| 2019 | $20.3M | 17.5K t |
| 2018 | $10.9M | 8.6K t |
| 2017 | $5.0M | 4.1K t |
Where Kenya exports retail laundry detergent to
The largest buyer markets were Uganda (35%), DR Congo (31%), Tanzania (23%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+35% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $8.4M | 35% |
| DR Congo | $7.6M | 32% |
| Tanzania | $5.6M | 23% |
| Rwanda | $1.0M | 4.2% |
| Burundi | $606K | 2.5% |
| South Africa | $356K | 1.5% |
| Malawi | $291K | 1.2% |
| Zambia | $128K | 0.5% |
| South Sudan | $40K | 0.2% |
| Namibia | $19K | 0.1% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.29 per kg, 22% below the world average of $1.65, 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.
Retail laundry detergent imports to Kenya
Imports of retail laundry detergent by Kenya reached $14.7 million in 2024 (12.9 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: Egypt accounted for 60% of the value. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+179% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $8.8M | 60% |
| Tanzania | $1.9M | 13% |
| China | $1.1M | 7.6% |
| South Africa | $712K | 4.8% |
| Indonesia | $463K | 3.1% |
| United Kingdom | $370K | 2.5% |
| Germany | $243K | 1.7% |
| Mexico | $179K | 1.2% |
| Turkey | $123K | 0.8% |
| Malaysia | $95K | 0.6% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya retail laundry detergent exports (HS 3402.20): 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 3402.20: Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no. 3401), put up for retail sale.
Common questions
What is the value of retail laundry detergent exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported retail laundry detergent worth $24.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 18.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 177 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries buy retail laundry detergent from Kenya?
Uganda was the largest buyer with 35% of the value ($8.4 million), followed by the DR Congo (31%) and Tanzania (23%). The top three together account for 90%, out of 19 buyer countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 91% on the year.
What is the average export price of retail laundry detergent per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.29 per kg in 2024, 22% below the world average of $1.65 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of retail laundry detergent from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $5.0 million in 2017 to $24.0 million in 2024, an increase of 379%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $17.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also import retail laundry detergent?
Yes. Kenya imported $14.7 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from Egypt, Tanzania and China. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $9.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for retail laundry detergent?
The HS code for retail laundry detergent is subheading 3402.20. It sits in HS chapter 34 (soap, organic surface-active agents; washing, lubricating, polishing or scouring preparations; artificial or prepared waxes, candles and similar articles, modelling pastes, dental waxes and dental preparations with a basis of plaster). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3402 page.
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.
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