Jordanian exporters see room for fertiliser and chemical sales in Kenya

what happened

According to Reuters, citing a study by Jordan Exports with Jordan's Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, Kenya imports nearly all of its mineral fertilisers. Those imports were valued at $376 million in 2024, while domestic production has been halted since 2018.

Kenya's total merchandise imports reached $20.2 billion, up 9% from 2023. The study highlights phosphate, compound and specialty fertilisers, along with industrial chemicals, as the most promising categories. Jordan's inorganic chemical exports to Kenya came to $3.37 million, the largest Jordanian category in that market.

The authors suggest starting with trial shipments, building ties with importers and blending plants, comparing landed prices at the Port of Mombasa with rival suppliers, and completing certification in advance. Fertilisers under Chapter 31 of the Harmonised System face a zero customs tariff.

why it matters

For commodity markets the effect is limited, since this concerns small Jordanian exports in a niche segment. Still, the story points to rising demand for phosphates and nitrogen-phosphorus blends in Africa, which matters for fertiliser producers and agribusiness. The five countries studied together represent an addressable market of about $2.5 billion.

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