Synthetic fiber waste imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported synthetic fiber waste worth $2.8 million (5.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 2%. That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 31% 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 | $2.8M | 5.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.9M | 5.5K t |
| 2022 | $2.0M | 4.8K t |
| 2021 | $1.2M | 2.2K t |
| 2020 | $574K | 896 t |
| 2019 | $292K | 469 t |
| 2018 | $355K | 584 t |
| 2017 | $414K | 655 t |
Where Kenya imports synthetic fiber waste from
The largest suppliers were Uganda (43%), China (41%), Ethiopia (14%). Among the main suppliers, China grew fastest (+64% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $1.2M | 43% |
| China | $1.1M | 41% |
| Ethiopia | $397K | 14% |
| Vietnam | $38K | 1.4% |
| India | $12K | 0.4% |
| Zambia | $4K | 0.1% |
| South Africa | $0K | 0% |
Product types under HS 5505
| 5505.10 | Fibres: waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of synthetic fibres | 99% |
| 5505.20 | Fibres: waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of artificial fibres | 1.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5505.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $0.54 per kg, 39% below the world average of $0.89, 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.
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya synthetic fiber waste imports (HS 5505): 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 5505: Waste (including noils, yarn waste and garnetted stock), of man-made fibres.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic fiber waste imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported synthetic fiber waste worth $2.8 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 17th of 135 countries worldwide, with 2% of world imports. The value was down 2% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic fiber waste to Kenya?
Uganda was the largest supplier with 43% of the value ($1.2 million), followed by China (41%) and Ethiopia (14%). The top three together account for 98%, out of 7 supplier countries in total. Zambia grew fastest among the top ten, up 429% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic fiber waste per kg?
The average declared import value was about $0.54 per kg in 2024, 39% below the world average of $0.89 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic fiber waste to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $414 thousand in 2017 to $2.8 million in 2024, an increase of 575%. The peak was 2023 at $2.9 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic fiber waste?
The HS code for synthetic fiber waste is heading 5505. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 5505.10 (99% of the value) and 5505.20 (1%).
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
EximDataX has a direct customs feed for Kenya, so the importers and exporters behind these totals are visible by name, shipment by shipment. Ask for a live look at your product.
Same product, other countries
World synthetic fiber waste trade: top importers and exporters
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