Slack wax imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported slack wax worth $9.8 million (5.5 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 0%. That is 12% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 9% 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 | $9.8M | 5.5K t |
| 2023 | $8.8M | 4.9K t |
| 2022 | $7.5M | 3.8K t |
| 2021 | $7.7M | 5.0K t |
| 2020 | $5.7M | 3.9K t |
| 2019 | $6.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2018 | $5.5M | 4.1K t |
| 2017 | $5.5M | 3.9K t |
Where Kenya imports slack wax from
Most of the value came from India (32%), Thailand (21%), South Korea (15%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+524% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $3.1M | 32% |
| Thailand | $2.1M | 21% |
| South Korea | $1.5M | 15% |
| China | $933K | 9.5% |
| Turkey | $642K | 6.5% |
| United Arab Emirates | $422K | 4.3% |
| Egypt | $292K | 3% |
| South Africa | $227K | 2.3% |
| Germany | $205K | 2.1% |
| Hungary | $195K | 2% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.78 per kg, 29% above the world average of $1.38. 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.
Slack wax exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported slack wax worth $201 thousand (99 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (44%), Rwanda (41%), China (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Rwanda grew fastest (+116% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $88K | 44% |
| Rwanda | $82K | 41% |
| China | $22K | 11% |
| Uganda | $7K | 3.3% |
| United Kingdom | $1K | 0.3% |
| Burundi | $1K | 0.3% |
| Niger | $0K | 0.2% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0.2% |
| United States | $0K | 0.1% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya slack wax imports (HS 2712.90): 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 2712.90: Paraffin wax: containing by weight 0.75% or more of oil, obtained by synthesis or by other processes, whether or not coloured.
Common questions
What is the value of slack wax imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported slack wax worth $9.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 31st of 184 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply slack wax to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 32% of the value ($3.1 million), followed by Thailand (21%) and South Korea (15%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 20 supplier countries in total. China grew fastest among the top ten, up 524% on the year.
What is the average import price of slack wax per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.78 per kg in 2024, 29% above the world average of $1.38 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of slack wax to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $5.5 million in 2017 to $9.8 million in 2024, an increase of 78%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $7.2 million a year.
Does Kenya also export slack wax?
Yes. Kenya exported $201 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Rwanda and China. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $9.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for slack wax?
The HS code for slack wax is subheading 2712.90. It sits in HS chapter 27 (mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 2712 page.
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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