Kaolin and kaolinic clays market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for kaolin and kaolinic clays in Kenya, measured in physical terms, showed significant fluctuations between 2018 and 2022. After starting at 4 005 t in 2018, it expanded by over 30% to reach 5 208 t in 2019. The following year, however, saw a contraction to 4 177 t. A partial recovery followed in 2021, with volume climbing to 4 766 t, before a sharp decline of more than 40% brought the market down to 2 687 t in 2022.

Domestic production remained steady at 1 600 t throughout this five-year period. Therefore, the market's volatility was driven entirely by trade flows. The peak in 2019 coincided with the highest import level of the period at 4 612 t, while the steep drop in 2022 was primarily due to a combination of lower imports at 2 984 t and a surge in exports to 1 897 t.

Trade data for 2023 and 2024 indicate a continued dynamic in external flows. Imports, after a moderate 3 702 t in 2023, jumped to 5 883 t in 2024—the highest level on record. Exports, meanwhile, fell back to 473 t and 518 t in those years, respectively, after the 2022 spike.

Production kaolin and kaolinic clays in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

World map of production of kaolin and kaolinic clays, 2017-2020

In 2019, Kenya's production of kaolin and kaolinic clays showed no significant change compared to 2020, with output remaining stable at 1 600 tonnes. The largest decline and increase both occurred in 2018, each registering at 0.0%.

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

Exports kaolin and kaolinic clays from Kenya

Exports in kind, t

Kenya's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 775 tonnes, marking a substantial 22.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 72.7%, with an average annual decline of 35.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda, South Africa, and Rwanda were the primary destinations for Kenya's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports by volume. Uganda accounted for 33.7% of exports, South Africa for 24.6%, and Rwanda for 24.5%, together representing 82.8% of total export flows.

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

Kenya's exports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 177 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 12.8% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 58.9%, with an average annual decline of 25.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda remained the leading destinations for Kenya's kaolin and kaolinic clay exports by value. Rwanda accounted for 26.5% of exports, South Africa for 25.9%, and Uganda for 22.1%, collectively making up 74.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports kaolin and kaolinic clays to Kenya

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Kenya's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays by volume declined. In 2020, imports totaled 3 352 tonnes, showing a sharp 27.3% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 2.5%, with an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 4 612 tonnes, which represented a 33.8% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and India were the main sources for Kenya's kaolin and kaolinic clay imports by volume, together accounting for 87.6% of total imports. Other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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

Following two years of increases, Kenya's imports of kaolin and kaolinic clays in value terms declined. In 2020, imports came to 1 712 thousand US dollars, indicating a 30.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The peak import value was recorded in 2019 at 2 463 thousand US dollars, following a 28.5% increase in 2018.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States and India dominated Kenya's kaolin and kaolinic clay imports by value, capturing 90.4% of total imports combined. The remaining flows were distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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