Kenya: Lime Market 2024

Lime Market Size in Kenya

In 2021, after three years of decline, there was significant growth in the Kenyan lime market, when its value increased by 7.1% to $X. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption reached the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Lime Production in Kenya

In value terms, lime production amounted to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.7% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 with an increase of 33% against the previous year. As a result, production attained the peak level of $X. From 2016 to 2021, production growth remained at a lower figure.

Lime Exports

Exports from Kenya

Lime exports from Kenya surged to X tons in 2021, jumping by 16% on the year before. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a mild contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 35%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lime exports rose remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 38%. The exports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

Uganda (X tons) was the main destination for lime exports from Kenya, accounting for a 64% share of total exports. Moreover, lime exports to Uganda exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Rwanda (X tons), twofold. Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 2.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Uganda totaled -4.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Rwanda (+39.0% per year) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (+4.8% per year).

In value terms, Uganda ($X) remains the key foreign market for quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime exports from Kenya, comprising 74% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Rwanda ($X), with an 18% share of total exports. It was followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a 4.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Uganda amounted to -1.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Rwanda (+23.0% per year) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (+3.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime export price amounted to $X per ton, which is down by -2.9% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the average export price increased by 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2021, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Rwanda ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Uganda (+3.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Lime Imports

Imports into Kenya

For the eighth consecutive year, Kenya recorded growth in overseas purchases of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime, which increased by 32% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 217% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, lime imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports continue to indicate significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 196% against the previous year. Imports peaked in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Tanzania (X tons) was the main supplier of lime to Kenya, with a 95% share of total imports. It was followed by Egypt (X tons), with less than 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Tanzania totaled +64.9%.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) constituted the largest supplier of quicklime, slaked lime and hydraulic lime to Kenya, comprising 85% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Egypt ($X), with less than 0.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Tanzania amounted to +76.5%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average lime import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a perceptible shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 an increase of 37%. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while the price for Tanzania stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Egypt (+10.0%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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