Synthetic dye imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $19.7 million of synthetic dye in 2024 (3.0 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 | $19.7M | 3.0K t |
| 2023 | $19.9M | 2.9K t |
| 2022 | $21.7M | 2.9K t |
| 2021 | $21.3M | 3.0K t |
| 2020 | $19.1M | 3.1K t |
| 2019 | $18.8M | 3.3K t |
| 2018 | $18.9M | 3.8K t |
| 2017 | $15.6M | 3.2K t |
Where Kenya imports synthetic dye from
India alone supplied 57% of it. Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+34% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| India | $11.2M | 57% |
| China | $2.5M | 13% |
| Taiwan | $1.1M | 5.6% |
| Ireland | $933K | 4.8% |
| South Africa | $735K | 3.7% |
| South Korea | $461K | 2.3% |
| France | $368K | 1.9% |
| Hungary | $350K | 1.8% |
| Italy | $235K | 1.2% |
| Germany | $225K | 1.1% |
Product types under HS 3204
| 3204.17 | Synthetic pigments | 48% |
| 3204.19 | Synthetic dyes (other) | 12% |
| 3204.90 | Synthetic organic products (other) | 9% |
| 3204.11 | Disperse dyes | 6.1% |
| 3204.16 | Reactive dyes | 5.7% |
| 3204.20 | Fluorescent brightening agents | 5.7% |
| 3204.13 | Basic dyes | 4.6% |
| 3204.12 | Acid dyes and mordant dyes | 3.8% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3204.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $6.50 per kg, close to the world average of $7.25.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Synthetic dye exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported synthetic dye worth $1.1 million (254 tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Tanzania (25%), Rwanda (25%), Zambia (22%). Among the main buyer markets, Ethiopia grew fastest (+912% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | $269K | 25% |
| Rwanda | $260K | 25% |
| Zambia | $237K | 22% |
| Uganda | $161K | 15% |
| Burundi | $65K | 6.2% |
| Spain | $27K | 2.6% |
| South Sudan | $14K | 1.3% |
| Ethiopia | $14K | 1.3% |
| Republic of the Congo | $8K | 0.8% |
| Mozambique | $3K | 0.3% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya synthetic dye imports (HS 3204): 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 3204: Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic dye imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported synthetic dye worth $19.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 3.0 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 68th of 219 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 1% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic dye to Kenya?
India was the largest supplier with 57% of the value ($11.2 million), followed by China (13%) and Taiwan (6%). The top three together account for 76%, out of 39 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 127% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic dye per kg?
The average declared import value was about $6.50 per kg in 2024, 10% below the world average of $7.25 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of synthetic dye to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $15.6 million in 2017 to $19.7 million in 2024, an increase of 26%. The peak was 2022 at $21.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $19.4 million a year.
Does Kenya also export synthetic dye?
Yes. Kenya exported $1.1 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Tanzania, Rwanda and Zambia. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $18.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic dye?
The HS code for synthetic dye is heading 3204. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3204.17 (48% of the value) and 3204.19 (12%).
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.
Same product, other countries
Synthetic dye product types in Kenya
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