Amman, Oct. 25 (Petra) -- Kenya offers promising opportunities for Jordanian fertilizer and chemical exports, with the country relying almost entirely on imported mineral fertilizers, valued at $376 million in 2024, according to a study prepared by the Jordan Exports in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply.

The study showed that Kenya's merchandise imports reached $20.2 billion in 2024, up 9% from 2023, while domestic production of mineral fertilizers has been suspended since 2018. It identified phosphate, compound and specialty fertilizers, along with industrial chemicals, as key export opportunities for Jordanian companies.

Kenya's imports of diammonium phosphate reached $81.8 million in 2024, while imports of compound fertilizers totaled approximately $54.1 million.

Imports of monoammonium phosphate surged 280.1% to $6.11 million during the same year, while imports of nitrogen-phosphorus mixtures rose 217.4% to $26.35 million, highlighting growing opportunities for specialized, value-added products.

In the chemicals sector, Jordan's exports of inorganic chemicals to Kenya reached $3.37 million in 2024, making them the largest category of Jordanian exports to the Kenyan market, according to the study. Meanwhile, Kenya's imports of phosphoric acid increased 28% to $2.44 million.

The study recommended strengthening ties with importers, fertilizer blending plants and local distributors, while comparing the final landed prices of Jordanian products at the Port of Mombasa with those of competing suppliers. It also suggested beginning with trial shipments before moving toward regular supply agreements.

The study stressed the importance of completing product registration, conformity and technical certification requirements before exporting. It noted that fertilizers classified under Harmonized System (HS) Chapter 31 are subject to a 0% customs tariff, while emphasizing the need to verify other applicable duties and costs according to each product's classification.

According to the study, successfully entering the Kenyan market requires a combination of product quality, competitive pricing, reliable delivery schedules and partnerships with local businesses to help Jordanian companies expand their presence in African markets.

Earlier this month, the Jordan Exports, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, launched the findings of market-entry studies covering five promising export destinations: Indonesia, Tanzania, Uzbekistan, Kenya and Malaysia.

The studies identified a combined addressable market of approximately $2.5 billion across the five countries, offering opportunities to increase Jordanian exports. They also noted that Jordanian manufacturers already export to international markets with demanding competitive requirements, providing a foundation for expanding into these destinations.

//Petra// AJ