Fibreboard market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

The fibreboard market in Kenya experienced significant volume changes between 2018 and 2023. The market size contracted steadily from US$ 29.8 million in 2018 to a low of US$ 17.5 million in 2021.

A reversal occurred from 2021 onward, with the market expanding rapidly to reach US$ 29.3 million by 2023. This recovery coincided with a sharp increase in imports, which rose from US$ 18.0 million in 2021 to US$ 27.6 million in 2023, while export volumes declined over the same period.

Domestic production remained relatively stable throughout, peaking at US$ 4.3 million in 2022 before a slight decrease in 2023. The overall market dynamics were characterized by substantial shifts in trade flows.

Production fibreboard in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, m³

Top producers of fibreboard, 2017-2020

World map of production of fibreboard, 2017-2020

In 2020, Kenya produced 9 000 m³ of fibreboard, showing minimal change from the previous year. Looking back to 2019, production was also at 9 000 m³, which marked the lowest point during the period. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 3.2%, averaging an annual decline of 1.1%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, at 3.2%, while 2018 saw no change in production levels.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, m³

Exports fibreboard from Kenya

Exports in kind, m³

Market performance showed notable fluctuations over this period. Kenya's fibreboard exports reached 8 122 m³ in 2020, an 18.0% increase from the previous year. In contrast, 2018 recorded the lowest export volume at 2 213 m³, representing a 44.7% decline. The most substantial growth occurred in 2019, with a remarkable 211.0% surge. Overall, export levels varied significantly, with a 3.7-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda and Tanzania consistently dominated Kenya's fibreboard exports in volume, accounting for 86.1% of the total. This high concentration highlights a market structure with a few major partners and numerous smaller ones.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values experienced considerable volatility during this timeframe. In 2020, fibreboard exports from Kenya totaled 3 559 thousand US dollars, a strong 19.3% year-over-year increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 840 thousand US dollars, marking a 24.3% decrease. The most significant rise occurred in 2019, with a 255.1% jump. Overall, exports fluctuated by a factor of 4.2, from the peak in 2020 to the trough in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Rwanda and Tanzania were the dominant partners in Kenya's fibreboard export value. Rwanda contributed 58.2% of total flows, while Tanzania accounted for 29.5%, together making up 87.7% of exports. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020

Imports fibreboard to Kenya

Imports in kind, m³

Foreign fibreboard supplies to Kenya declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 62 571 m³, down 16.3% from 2019. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 96 144 m³, which saw a 28.5% increase. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, with a 22.3% drop. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 16.4%, averaging an annual decline of 5.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, m³

From 2017 to 2020, China and Uganda were the primary sources for Kenya's fibreboard imports by volume, jointly representing 87.9% of total flows. Other markets shared the remaining portion.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Fibreboard deliveries to Kenya decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 20 178 thousand US dollars, a solid 11.5% fall from 2019. The peak value was in 2018 at 27 152 thousand US dollars, which experienced a 46.7% increase. The most significant decline was in 2019, at 16.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Uganda and China concentrated most of Kenya's fibreboard import value, while other markets played smaller individual roles.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020