According to the World Trade Organization, trade represented 59.4% of Kenya's GDP from 2006-2008.  In 2008, merchandise exports totaled over $4.8bn while merchandise imports totaled over $11bn.  Also in 2008, commercial services exports totaled over $2.5bn while commercial services imports totaled over $1.6bn.

Note:  The information in this snapshot can help identify trade factors that may impact investments in Kenya.  For example, the higher the Trade-to-GDP ratio the greater sensitivity Kenya's economy might have to global economic, trade, and financial fluctuations. Also, changes in economies or industries of key trading partners may trigger changes in Kenya's economy and industries.

Major Imports and Exports

According to the International Trade Centre, the top five export categories for Kenya in 2008, along with percentage of total exports, were:

1. Coffee, tea, mate, and spices (19.1%)
2. Live trees, plants, bulbs, roots, cut flowers, etc. (10.2%)
3. Printed books, newspapers, pictures, etc. (7.8%)
4. Edible vegetables, certain roots, and tubers (4.8%)
5. Inorganic chemicals, precious metal compound, and isotopes (3.8%)

According to the International Trade Centre, the top five import categories for Kenya in 2008, along with percentage of total imports, were:

1. Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc. (24.1%)
2. Printed books, newspapers, pictures, etc. (12.1%)
3. Boilers, machinery, nuclear reactors, etc. (8.7%)
4. Electrical and electronic equipment (7.4%)
5. Vehicles other than railway (7%)

Major Trading Partners

The top three countries to which Kenya exports merchandise, along with percentage of exports, are:

1. United Kingdom (10%)
2. Netherlands (9.2%)
3. Uganda (9%)

The top three countries which import merchandise to Kenya, along with percentage of imports, are:

1. India (14.1%)
2. United Arab Emirates (11.5%)
3. China (10%)

Sources:  World Trade Organization, International Trade Centre, and The World Factbook

Note: Information on this website has been prepared as general information on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

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