Salt exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Exports of salt by Kenya reached $52.1 million in 2024 (498.4 thousand tonnes). Its share of world exports was 1%. That is 29% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% 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 | $52.1M | 498.4K t |
| 2023 | $40.5M | 401.0K t |
| 2022 | $38.2M | 329.6K t |
| 2021 | $38.3M | 266.2K t |
| 2020 | $44.7M | 263.9K t |
| 2019 | $37.6M | 265.7K t |
| 2018 | $43.2M | 295.1K t |
| 2017 | $8.9M | 73.1K t |
Where Kenya exports salt to
The largest buyer markets were Uganda (49%), Tanzania (22%), Rwanda (16%). Among the main buyer markets, DR Congo grew fastest (+48% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $25.4M | 49% |
| Tanzania | $11.4M | 22% |
| Rwanda | $8.1M | 16% |
| South Sudan | $3.5M | 6.8% |
| DR Congo | $1.6M | 3.1% |
| Malawi | $1.1M | 2.1% |
| Burundi | $875K | 1.7% |
| Somalia | $58K | 0.1% |
| Saudi Arabia | $30K | 0.1% |
| Ethiopia | $10K | 0% |
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.10 per kg, 67% above the world average of $0.06. 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.
Salt imports to Kenya
In 2024, Kenya imported salt worth $5.4 million (149.1 thousand tonnes). One supplier dominates: India accounted for 83% of the value. Among the main suppliers, India grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $4.5M | 83% |
| Pakistan | $300K | 5.5% |
| Egypt | $175K | 3.2% |
| Austria | $117K | 2.2% |
| China | $107K | 2% |
| South Africa | $62K | 1.1% |
| Netherlands | $33K | 0.6% |
| United Kingdom | $28K | 0.5% |
| Turkey | $28K | 0.5% |
| Denmark | $24K | 0.4% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya salt exports (HS 2501): 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 2501: Salt (including table salt and denatured salt); pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution; sea water.
Common questions
What is the value of salt exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported salt worth $52.1 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 498.4 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 180 countries worldwide, with 1% of world exports. The value was up 29% on 2023.
Which countries buy salt from Kenya?
Uganda was the largest buyer with 49% of the value ($25.4 million), followed by Tanzania (22%) and Rwanda (16%). The top three together account for 86%, out of 24 buyer countries in total. Burundi grew fastest among the top ten, up 142% on the year.
What is the average export price of salt per kg?
The average declared export value was about $0.10 per kg in 2024, 67% above the world average of $0.06 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have exports of salt from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $8.9 million in 2017 to $52.1 million in 2024, an increase of 486%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $38.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also import salt?
Yes. Kenya imported $5.4 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from India, Pakistan and Egypt. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $46.7 million a year.
What is the HS code for salt?
The HS code for salt is heading 2501. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 2501.00. It sits in HS chapter 25 (salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cement). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2501 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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