Starch imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of starch by Kenya reached $14.0 million in 2024 (29.1 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable.
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 | $14.0M | 29.1K t |
| 2023 | $14.1M | 27.0K t |
| 2022 | $15.8M | 25.6K t |
| 2021 | $12.2M | 27.2K t |
| 2020 | $9.8M | 23.5K t |
| 2019 | $10.0M | 24.4K t |
| 2018 | $8.3M | 22.6K t |
| 2017 | $8.4M | 22.8K t |
Where Kenya imports starch from
The largest suppliers were Egypt (43%), Pakistan (30%), India (16%). Among the main suppliers, Uganda grew fastest (+147% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | $6.0M | 43% |
| Pakistan | $4.2M | 30% |
| India | $2.2M | 16% |
| Uganda | $958K | 6.8% |
| Netherlands | $235K | 1.7% |
| France | $182K | 1.3% |
| Turkey | $131K | 0.9% |
| Israel | $94K | 0.7% |
| South Africa | $46K | 0.3% |
| China | $38K | 0.3% |
Product types under HS 1108
| 1108.12 | Corn starch | 92% |
| 1108.14 | Cassava starch | 6.5% |
| 1108.19 | Starch (other species) | 1.3% |
| 1108.13 | Potato starch | 0.5% |
| 1108.20 | Inulin | 0% |
| 1108.11 | Wheat starch | 0% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 1108.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.48 per kg, 24% below the world average of $0.63, 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.
Starch exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported starch worth $401 thousand (208 tonnes). Most of it went to Tanzania (46%), Rwanda (39%), Uganda (9%). Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+457% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $184K | 46% |
| Rwanda | $158K | 39% |
| Uganda | $38K | 9.4% |
| Burundi | $15K | 3.8% |
| Zambia | $4K | 0.9% |
| Somalia | $2K | 0.4% |
| India | $0K | 0.1% |
| DR Congo | $0K | 0% |
| Maldives | $0K | 0% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya starch imports (HS 1108): 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 1108: Starches; inulin.
Common questions
What is the value of starch imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported starch worth $14.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 29.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 55th of 217 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply starch to Kenya?
Egypt was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($6.0 million), followed by Pakistan (30%) and India (16%). The top three together account for 88%, out of 19 supplier countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 147% on the year.
What is the average import price of starch per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.48 per kg in 2024, 24% below the world average of $0.63 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of starch to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $8.4 million in 2017 to $14.0 million in 2024, an increase of 68%. The peak was 2022 at $15.8 million. Over 8 years the average was $11.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also export starch?
Yes. Kenya exported $401 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $13.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for starch?
The HS code for starch is heading 1108. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 1108.12 (92% of the value) and 1108.14 (6%).
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.
Same product, other countries
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