Kenya-Iran Trade Value Drops Sharply

Trade between Kenya and Iran has experienced a significant decline, with the total value of goods exchanged falling to Sh975.1 million from Sh2.304 billion in a similar period the previous year. This sharp decline is according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS). The fluctuations in trade value have been considerable over the past four years, with both exports and imports showing variability.

In 2023, Kenya exported goods worth Sh381.1 million to Iran, while imports stood at Sh781.7 million. The following year, exports surged to Sh2.014 billion as imports dropped to Sh413.8 million. This indicates a significant shift in trade dynamics between the two countries. The data highlights the volatility in bilateral trade, with Kenya's exports to Iran experiencing a particularly steep decline in recent years.

In 2025, Kenya's exports to Iran declined to Sh1.443 billion, while imports increased to Sh860.8 million. The downward trend in exports continued in 2026, with exports falling sharply to Sh357.6 million, while imports stood at Sh617.5 million. This recent trend indicates that Kenya has been importing more from Iran than it exports, reversing the trade surplus recorded in previous years.

The latest figures show that during the April-June 2026 period, Kenya imported more from Iran than it exported. This is a reversal of the trade surplus recorded in the corresponding periods of 2024 and 2025. The data highlights considerable fluctuations in bilateral trade, with Kenya's exports to Iran experiencing a particularly steep decline in the latest quarter.

Quarterly figures for the April-June period show significant fluctuations in the value of exports and imports over the four years. The KNBS data provides insights into the trends and patterns of trade between Kenya and Iran. The fluctuations in trade value may be attributed to various factors, including changes in global market trends and economic conditions.

The decline in trade value between Kenya and Iran may have implications for both economies. Kenya's exports to Iran have been declining, which could affect the country's economy. On the other hand, Iran's imports from Kenya have also been fluctuating, which could impact its economy as well. The two countries may need to re-evaluate their trade strategies to boost bilateral trade.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) provides data on trade between Kenya and other countries, including Iran. The data is crucial for understanding trade trends and patterns. The KNBS data shows that trade between Kenya and Iran has been volatile over the past four years, with significant fluctuations in exports and imports.

Key points

• Kenya-Iran trade drops to Sh975.1 million from Sh2.304 billion.