Sunflower seed imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Imports of sunflower seed by Kenya reached $3.9 million in 2024 (1.3 thousand tonnes). Value rose 25% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 17% 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 | $3.9M | 1.3K t |
| 2023 | $3.2M | 3.1K t |
| 2022 | $2.5M | 1.6K t |
| 2021 | $2.5M | 4.0K t |
| 2020 | $1.1M | 3.2K t |
| 2019 | $667K | 259 t |
| 2018 | $802K | 4.5K t |
| 2017 | $1.3M | 3.0K t |
Where Kenya imports sunflower seed from
The largest suppliers were Chile (26%), South Africa (22%), China (19%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Chile | $1.0M | 26% |
| South Africa | $868K | 22% |
| China | $766K | 19% |
| United States | $421K | 11% |
| Uganda | $340K | 8.6% |
| India | $311K | 7.9% |
| Zambia | $69K | 1.7% |
| Netherlands | $29K | 0.8% |
| Malawi | $26K | 0.7% |
| Argentina | $22K | 0.6% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.14 per kg, 261% above the world average of $0.87. 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.
Sunflower seed exports from Kenya
Kenya exported $1.6 million of sunflower seed in 2024 (148 tonnes). Tanzania alone took 57% of it. Among the main buyer markets, Tanzania grew fastest (+823% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $894K | 57% |
| Uganda | $656K | 42% |
| United States | $2K | 0.2% |
| Norway | $1K | 0.1% |
| Rwanda | $1K | 0.1% |
| South Korea | $1K | 0.1% |
| Netherlands | $1K | 0.1% |
| Ireland | $0K | 0% |
| Canada | $0K | 0% |
| Republic of the Congo | $0K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya sunflower seed imports (HS 1206): 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 1206: Sunflower seeds; whether or not broken.
Common questions
What is the value of sunflower seed imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported sunflower seed worth $3.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.3 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 69th of 196 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 25% on 2023.
Which countries supply sunflower seed to Kenya?
Chile was the largest supplier with 26% of the value ($1.0 million), followed by South Africa (22%) and China (19%). The top three together account for 68%, out of 26 supplier countries in total. The United States grew fastest among the top ten, up 967% on the year.
What is the average import price of sunflower seed per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.14 per kg in 2024, 261% above the world average of $0.87 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of sunflower seed to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.3 million in 2017 to $3.9 million in 2024, an increase of 196%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $2.0 million a year.
Does Kenya also export sunflower seed?
Yes. Kenya exported $1.6 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Uganda and the United States. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.4 million a year.
What is the HS code for sunflower seed?
The HS code for sunflower seed is heading 1206. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 1206.00. It sits in HS chapter 12 (oil seeds and oleaginous fruits; miscellaneous grains, seeds and fruit, industrial or medicinal plants; straw and fodder). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 1206 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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