Synthetic lubricant additive imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported synthetic lubricant additive worth $3.2 million (971 tonnes). That is 151% more than in 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 60% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2021, at $4.2 million.
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 | $3.2M | 971 t |
| 2023 | $1.3M | 276 t |
| 2022 | $3.1M | 424 t |
| 2021 | $4.2M | 858 t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 517 t |
| 2019 | $938K | 211 t |
| 2018 | $105K | 42 t |
| 2017 | $118K | 26 t |
Where Kenya imports synthetic lubricant additive from
One supplier dominates: South Africa accounted for 85% of the value. Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | $2.7M | 85% |
| United Arab Emirates | $241K | 7.6% |
| India | $107K | 3.4% |
| Belgium | $64K | 2% |
| China | $56K | 1.8% |
| Germany | $8K | 0.2% |
| Morocco | $6K | 0.2% |
| Egypt | $2K | 0.1% |
| France | $2K | 0.1% |
| Ukraine | $0K | 0% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.26 per kg, 25% below the world average of $4.34, 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 lubricant additive imports (HS 3811.29): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
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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 3811.29: Lubricating oil additives: not containing petroleum oils or oils obtained from bituminous minerals.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic lubricant additive imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported synthetic lubricant additive worth $3.2 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 971 tonnes. That ranks it 34th of 184 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 151% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic lubricant additive to Kenya?
South Africa was the largest supplier with 85% of the value ($2.7 million), followed by the United Arab Emirates (8%) and India (3%). The top three together account for 96%, out of 11 supplier countries in total. Belgium grew fastest among the top ten, up 926% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic lubricant additive per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.26 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $4.34 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 lubricant additive to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $118 thousand in 2017 to $3.2 million in 2024. The peak was 2021 at $4.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $1.9 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic lubricant additive?
The HS code for synthetic lubricant additive is subheading 3811.29. It sits in HS chapter 38 (chemical products n.e.c.). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3811 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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