Kenya Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Kenya's trade openness was 45.10% in 2025, ranked 156th globally. This represents a 12.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Kenya's trade openness stood at 45.10% in 2025, a rise of +4.91% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 45.10% by 2025. Kenya ranked 156th globally.
Kenya’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports as a share of GDP, has fallen markedly from its 1960 level of 64.77 to a 2025 value of 45.10, placing the country 156th in the world. The indicator peaked in 1974 at 74.57 before a long‑term decline accelerated after the 2020 trough of 30.40, when the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains and reduced demand for Kenyan commodities. Over the 66‑year series, the downward trajectory reflects structural constraints such as limited diversification of export products, persistent infrastructure bottlenecks, and a relatively closed customs regime. By contrast, regional peers such as Tanzania (45.14) and Zimbabwe (43.87) exhibit similar openness levels, suggesting a broader East African pattern of modest integration with world markets. If Kenya expands its manufacturing base, improves port efficiency and deepens participation in regional trade agreements, the openness ratio could stabilise or even rise, moderating the current declining trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 50.24% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 47.67% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 45.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 45.10% | +4.91% | #156 |
| 2024 | 40.19% | −0.93% | #16 |
| 2023 | 41.11% | +0.84% | #19 |
| 2022 | 40.28% | +5.27% | #14 |
| 2021 | 35.00% | +4.60% | #9 |
| 2020 | 30.40% | −1.36% | #8 |
| 2019 | 31.76% | −2.66% | #7 |
| 2018 | 34.41% | −1.58% | #9 |
| 2017 | 36.00% | +1.13% | #11 |
| 2016 | 34.87% | −5.46% | #13 |
| 2015 | 40.33% | −5.84% | #17 |
| 2014 | 46.17% | −1.29% | #23 |
| 2013 | 47.46% | −4.16% | #26 |
| 2012 | 51.62% | −6.78% | #30 |
| 2011 | 58.40% | +8.01% | #45 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Kenya matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2008. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenya's trade openness was 45.10% in 2025. Ranked 156th globally. This represents a 12.2% increase from the previous year.
Kenya's trade openness peaked at 74.57% in 1974.
The lowest trade openness in Kenya was 30.40% in 2020.
Kenya ranks 156th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Kenya's trade openness is projected to reach 45.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Kenya in 2025 was 45.10%. This ranks 156th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_kenya_trade-openness,
title = {Kenya Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/kenya/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}