Amman:Kenya is emerging as a lucrative market for Jordanian fertilizer and chemical exports, with the country's reliance on imported mineral fertilizers valued at $376 million in 2024. This is based on a study prepared by Jordan Exports in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply.
According to Jordan News Agency, the study highlights that Kenya's merchandise imports reached $20.2 billion in 2024, marking a 9% increase from 2023. The suspension of domestic mineral fertilizer production since 2018 has created opportunities for Jordanian exports, particularly in phosphate, compound, and specialty fertilizers, along with industrial chemicals.
Kenya's imports include $81.8 million of diammonium phosphate and approximately $54.1 million of compound fertilizers in 2024. Notably, imports of monoammonium phosphate surged by 280.1% to $6.11 million, and nitrogen-phosphorus mixtures rose by 217.4% to $26.35 million, underscoring the growing demand for specialized, value-added products. In the chemicals sector, Jordan's inorganic chemical exports to Kenya amounted to $3.37 million, the largest category of Jordanian exports to this market. Additionally, Kenya's imports of phosphoric acid increased by 28% to $2.44 million.
The study advises strengthening relationships with importers, fertilizer blending plants, and local distributors in Kenya. It suggests comparing the final landed prices of Jordanian products at the Port of Mombasa with those of competing suppliers and recommends starting with trial shipments before establishing regular supply agreements.
The report emphasizes the necessity of completing product registration, conformity, and technical certification requirements prior to exporting. It notes that fertilizers classified under Harmonized System (HS) Chapter 31 are exempt from customs tariffs, but stresses the importance of verifying other applicable duties and costs based on each product's classification. Successful market entry in Kenya requires a mix of product quality, competitive pricing, reliable delivery schedules, and partnerships with local businesses to help Jordanian companies expand their presence in African markets.
Earlier in the month, Jordan Exports, alongside the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, unveiled market-entry studies for five promising export destinations Indonesia, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Kenya, and Malaysia. These studies identified a combined addressable market of approximately $2.5 billion, presenting opportunities to enhance Jordanian exports. The studies also indicated that Jordanian manufacturers, known for exporting to markets with demanding competitive requirements, have a solid foundation for expanding into these new destinations.