Vehicle bodies imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
Kenya imported $5.7 million of vehicle bodies in 2024 (1.5 thousand tonnes). That is close to the 2023 level. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 25% 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 | $5.7M | 1.5K t |
| 2023 | $5.5M | 1.2K t |
| 2022 | $3.9M | 1.1K t |
| 2021 | $3.7M | 1.0K t |
| 2020 | $2.3M | 1.1K t |
| 2019 | $3.2M | 641 t |
| 2018 | $569K | 204 t |
| 2017 | $1.2M | 215 t |
Where Kenya imports vehicle bodies from
Most of the value came from Singapore (35%), Japan (20%), China (17%). Among the main suppliers, Singapore grew fastest (+246% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | $2.0M | 35% |
| Japan | $1.1M | 20% |
| China | $962K | 17% |
| Tanzania | $742K | 13% |
| Germany | $584K | 10% |
| Thailand | $92K | 1.6% |
| United Kingdom | $60K | 1.1% |
| South Africa | $40K | 0.7% |
| India | $35K | 0.6% |
| Turkey | $21K | 0.4% |
Product types under HS 8707
| 8707.90 | Vehicle bodies (tractor/bus/truck) | 70% |
| 8707.10 | Car bodies (including cabs) | 30% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 8707.
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $3.72 per kg, 59% below the world average of $9.00, 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.
Vehicle bodies exports from Kenya
Exports of vehicle bodies by Kenya reached $633 thousand in 2024 (271 tonnes). Most of it went to Uganda (30%), Rwanda (28%), Tanzania (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+341% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Uganda | $191K | 30% |
| Rwanda | $177K | 28% |
| Tanzania | $121K | 19% |
| DR Congo | $121K | 19% |
| South Sudan | $19K | 3% |
| Republic of the Congo | $3K | 0.5% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya vehicle bodies imports (HS 8707): 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 8707: Bodies; (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading no. 8701 to 8705.
Common questions
What is the value of vehicle bodies imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported vehicle bodies worth $5.7 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 1.5 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 74th of 209 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was up 3% on 2023.
Which countries supply vehicle bodies to Kenya?
Singapore was the largest supplier with 35% of the value ($2.0 million), followed by Japan (20%) and China (17%). The top three together account for 71%, out of 17 supplier countries in total. South Africa grew fastest among the top ten, up 376% on the year.
What is the average import price of vehicle bodies per kg?
The average declared import value was about $3.72 per kg in 2024, 59% below the world average of $9.00 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of vehicle bodies to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $1.2 million in 2017 to $5.7 million in 2024, an increase of 385%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $3.3 million a year.
Does Kenya also export vehicle bodies?
Yes. Kenya exported $633 thousand worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania. On balance Kenya is a net importer of this product, by about $5.0 million a year.
What is the HS code for vehicle bodies?
The HS code for vehicle bodies is heading 8707. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 8707.90 (70% of the value) and 8707.10 (30%).
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
Vehicle bodies product types in Kenya
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