Writing and drawing ink imports in Kenya: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, Kenya imported writing and drawing ink worth $2.9 million (384 tonnes). Value fell 12% from 2023. Across 2017-2024 the long-run trend was broadly stable. The peak in this period was 2019, at $4.2 million.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
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Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.9M | 384 t |
| 2023 | $3.3M | 384 t |
| 2022 | $3.2M | 405 t |
| 2021 | $2.9M | 385 t |
| 2020 | $2.1M | 366 t |
| 2019 | $4.2M | 326 t |
| 2018 | $3.5M | 376 t |
| 2017 | $2.5M | 350 t |
Where Kenya imports writing and drawing ink from
The largest suppliers were France (46%), China (14%), United Kingdom (10%).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| France | $1.3M | 46% |
| China | $398K | 14% |
| United Kingdom | $306K | 11% |
| India | $266K | 9.1% |
| Japan | $195K | 6.7% |
| South Africa | $123K | 4.2% |
| Germany | $73K | 2.5% |
| Italy | $65K | 2.2% |
| United Arab Emirates | $29K | 1% |
| Singapore | $27K | 0.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $7.58 per kg, 78% below the world average of $34.72, 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 writing and drawing ink imports (HS 3215.90): 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 3215.90: Ink: writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Common questions
What is the value of writing and drawing ink imported by Kenya?
Kenya imported writing and drawing ink worth $2.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 384 tonnes. That ranks it 79th of 220 countries worldwide, with 0% of world imports. The value was down 12% on 2023.
Which countries supply writing and drawing ink to Kenya?
France was the largest supplier with 46% of the value ($1.3 million), followed by China (14%) and the United Kingdom (10%). The top three together account for 70%, out of 29 supplier countries in total. Singapore grew fastest among the top ten, up 439% on the year.
What is the average import price of writing and drawing ink per kg?
The average declared import value was about $7.58 per kg in 2024, 78% below the world average of $34.72 per kg. Because it averages all grades and sizes, treat the figure as a market benchmark, not a price offer.
How have imports of writing and drawing ink to Kenya changed since 2017?
Imports went from $2.5 million in 2017 to $2.9 million in 2024, an increase of 14%. The peak was 2019 at $4.2 million. Over 8 years the average was $3.1 million a year.
What is the HS code for writing and drawing ink?
The HS code for writing and drawing ink is subheading 3215.90. It sits in HS chapter 32 (tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 3215 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.
Same product, other countries
World writing and drawing ink trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for Kenya
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