Water-based paint exports from Kenya: data, top buyers and prices
Kenya exported $11.0 million of water-based paint in 2024 (8.2 thousand tonnes). Value rose 6% on 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 29% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Exports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $11.0M | 8.2K t |
| 2023 | $10.4M | 7.2K t |
| 2022 | $9.9M | 7.5K t |
| 2021 | $8.7M | 6.9K t |
| 2020 | $9.0M | 7.8K t |
| 2019 | $8.5M | 6.2K t |
| 2018 | $7.8M | 4.4K t |
| 2017 | $1.8M | 1.1K t |
Where Kenya exports water-based paint to
Most of it went to DR Congo (31%), Rwanda (20%), South Sudan (19%). Among the main buyer markets, Uganda grew fastest (+52% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| DR Congo | $3.4M | 31% |
| Rwanda | $2.2M | 20% |
| South Sudan | $2.1M | 19% |
| Burundi | $1.4M | 13% |
| Uganda | $1.4M | 12% |
| Tanzania | $376K | 3.4% |
| Somalia | $126K | 1.1% |
| Republic of the Congo | $72K | 0.7% |
| Ethiopia | $6K | 0.1% |
| Sudan | $4K | 0% |
Product types under HS 3209
| 3209.90 | Water-based polymer paint | 77% |
| 3209.10 | Acrylic water-based paint | 23% |
Codes and full descriptions: HS heading 3209.
Average export price per kg
The average declared value was about $1.34 per kg, 56% below the world average of $3.08, 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.
Water-based paint imports to Kenya
Imports of water-based paint by Kenya reached $3.5 million in 2024 (2.1 thousand tonnes). The largest suppliers were China (20%), South Korea (19%), Egypt (15%). Among the main suppliers, South Africa grew fastest (+489% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $683K | 20% |
| South Korea | $665K | 19% |
| Egypt | $522K | 15% |
| Taiwan | $359K | 10% |
| India | $238K | 6.9% |
| Italy | $179K | 5.2% |
| France | $135K | 3.9% |
| South Africa | $128K | 3.7% |
| United Arab Emirates | $123K | 3.5% |
| Germany | $75K | 2.2% |
Who is behind these numbers in Kenya?
The shipment records behind Kenya water-based paint exports (HS 3209): 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 3209: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Common questions
What is the value of water-based paint exported by Kenya?
Kenya exported water-based paint worth $11.0 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 8.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 52nd of 175 countries worldwide, with 0% of world exports. The value was up 6% on 2023.
Which countries buy water-based paint from Kenya?
The DR Congo was the largest buyer with 31% of the value ($3.4 million), followed by Rwanda (20%) and South Sudan (19%). The top three together account for 69%, out of 16 buyer countries in total. Ethiopia grew fastest among the top ten, up 120% on the year.
What is the average export price of water-based paint per kg?
The average declared export value was about $1.34 per kg in 2024, 56% below the world average of $3.08 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have exports of water-based paint from Kenya changed since 2017?
Exports went from $1.8 million in 2017 to $11.0 million in 2024, an increase of 510%. 2024 was the highest year in the period. Over 8 years the average was $8.4 million a year.
Does Kenya also import water-based paint?
Yes. Kenya imported $3.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly from China, South Korea and Egypt. On balance Kenya is a net exporter of this product, by about $7.6 million a year.
What is the HS code for water-based paint?
The HS code for water-based paint is heading 3209. In Kenya the largest six-digit codes were 3209.90 (77% of the value) and 3209.10 (23%).
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
Water-based paint product types in Kenya
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