Kenya's commercial ties with China have strengthened over recent years, but the country continues to face a substantial trade imbalance.

According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), imports from China surged from Sh361.37 billion in 2020 to Sh671.17 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, Kenya's exports to China increased from Sh14.79 billion in 2020 to a high of Sh28.96 billion in 2023 before falling to Sh16.92 billion by 2025.

Trade Imbalance Details

  • Imports: Primarily machinery, electronics, construction materials, textiles, and manufactured goods.
  • Exports: Mainly agricultural produce, minerals, and raw materials.

This growing gap highlights Kenya's dependency on imported goods from China and the need to boost export volumes and diversify the export base.

Addressing the Deficit

To narrow the trade deficit, experts suggest:

  • Enhancing value addition to local products.
  • Diversifying export commodities beyond raw materials.
  • Improving access to the Chinese market for Kenyan goods.

Strengthening these areas is critical for Kenya to improve its export earnings and achieve a more balanced trade relationship with China.