Transport containers imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported transport containers worth $2.9 million (2.1 thousand tonnes). Value fell 56% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 it shrank by about 13% a year on average. The peak in this period was 2018, at $11.7 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 | $2.9M | 2.1K t |
| 2023 | $6.6M | 2.1K t |
| 2022 | $5.3M | 2.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.6M | 2.8K t |
| 2020 | $1.9M | 1.4K t |
| 2019 | $5.2M | 2.5K t |
| 2018 | $11.7M | 4.2K t |
| 2017 | $7.8M | 543 t |
Where Kenya imports transport containers from
Most of the value came from China (44%), United States (15%), Turkey (11%). Among the main suppliers, Belgium grew fastest (+95% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $1.3M | 44% |
| United States | $435K | 15% |
| Turkey | $323K | 11% |
| Netherlands | $196K | 6.8% |
| United Arab Emirates | $170K | 5.9% |
| Belgium | $75K | 2.6% |
| South Africa | $55K | 1.9% |
| France | $55K | 1.9% |
| Italy | $45K | 1.6% |
| Australia | $45K | 1.5% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.38 per kg, 109% above the world average of $0.66. 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.
Transport containers exports from Kenya
In 2024, Kenya exported transport containers worth $580 thousand (368 tonnes). Most of it went to Somalia (44%), South Sudan (17%), Belgium (13%). Among the main buyer markets, Belgium grew fastest, more than tenfold on the year before.
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Somalia | $253K | 44% |
| South Sudan | $97K | 17% |
| Belgium | $76K | 13% |
| Nigeria | $28K | 4.9% |
| Tanzania | $28K | 4.9% |
| Mozambique | $28K | 4.8% |
| Rwanda | $20K | 3.4% |
| Uganda | $13K | 2.2% |
| South Africa | $11K | 1.9% |
| Sudan | $9K | 1.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya transport containers imports (HS 8609): 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 8609: Containers; (including containers for transport of fluids) specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport.
Common questions
What is the value of transport containers imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported transport containers worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 2.1 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 113th of 216 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 56% on 2023.
Which countries supply transport containers to Kenya?
China was the largest supplier with 44% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by the United States (15%) and Turkey (11%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 30 supplier countries in total. Italy grew fastest among the top ten, up 619% on the year.
What is the average import price of transport containers per kg?
The average declared import value was about $1.38 per kg in 2024, 109% above the world average of $0.66 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of transport containers to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $7.8 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, a fall of 63%. The peak was 2018 at $11.7 million. Over 8 years the average was $5.6 million a year.
Does Kenya also export transport containers?
Yes. Kenya exported $580 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Somalia, South Sudan and Belgium. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $2.3 million a year.
What is the HS code for transport containers?
The HS code for transport containers is heading 8609. In Kenya all of this trade was declared under the six-digit code 8609.00. It sits in HS chapter 86 (railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 8609 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
Shipment-level records for Kenya reach EximDataX from a direct customs feed, with company names, dates and declared values. We can show them for your product on a short call.
Same product, other countries
World transport containers trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Kenya
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