Synthetic staple fibre imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported synthetic staple fibre worth $6.4 million (5.6 thousand tonnes). Value rose 74% on 2023. 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 | $6.4M | 5.6K t |
| 2023 | $3.6M | 3.6K t |
| 2022 | $4.4M | 4.1K t |
| 2021 | $5.5M | 5.5K t |
| 2020 | $4.7M | 5.1K t |
| 2019 | $5.1M | 4.7K t |
| 2018 | $6.0M | 4.7K t |
| 2017 | $4.2M | 3.6K t |
Where Kenya imports synthetic staple fibre from
The largest suppliers were Japan (27%), India (22%), China (22%). Among the main suppliers, Uganda grew fastest (+271% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | $1.7M | 27% |
| India | $1.4M | 22% |
| China | $1.4M | 22% |
| Tanzania | $773K | 12% |
| Morocco | $277K | 4.4% |
| Indonesia | $188K | 3% |
| South Korea | $146K | 2.3% |
| Thailand | $89K | 1.4% |
| Uganda | $86K | 1.4% |
| Belgium | $60K | 0.9% |
Product types under HS 5503
| 5503.20 | Polyester staple fiber | 63% |
| 5503.30 | Acrylic staple fiber | 27% |
| 5503.90 | Synthetic staple fiber (other) | 7.3% |
| 5503.40 | Polypropylene staple fiber | 2.9% |
| 5503.19 | Nylon staple fiber | 0.4% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 5503.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.13 per kg, 25% below the world average of $1.51, 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 staple fibre imports (HS 5503): 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 5503: Synthetic staple fibres, not carded, combed or otherwise processed for spinning.
Common questions
What is the value of synthetic staple fibre imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported synthetic staple fibre worth $6.4 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 5.6 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 77th of 200 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 74% on 2023.
Which countries supply synthetic staple fibre to Kenya?
Japan was the largest supplier with 27% of the value ($1.7 million), followed by India (22%) and China (22%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. Uganda grew fastest among the top ten, up 271% on the year.
What is the average import price of synthetic staple fibre per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.13 per kg in 2024, 25% below the world average of $1.51 per kg. The figure blends every grade shipped, so it works as a reference point rather than a quote.
How have imports of synthetic staple fibre to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $4.2 million in 2017 to $6.4 million in 2024, an increase of 52%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for synthetic staple fibre?
The HS code for synthetic staple fibre is heading 5503. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 5503.20 (62% of the value) and 5503.30 (27%).
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 staple fibre trade: top importers and exporters
Synthetic staple fibre product types in Kenya
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