Kilima Commodities Ltd sources in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda and ships to importers, processors and wholesalers worldwide. Each market has its own products, paperwork and shipping routes, so we have written a guide for each one. Start with your region below.
Who buys from East Africa
The region’s goods already move in large volumes on well-established routes.
| Product | Main buyers |
|---|---|
| Copper scrap and copper cathode | India, China, Turkey, the Gulf, Europe |
| Raw cashew nuts | India and Vietnam |
| Cashew kernels | Europe, United States, Middle East |
| Sisal fiber | China, the Gulf, North Africa, southern Europe |
| Bell peppers and Irish potatoes | Israel, the Gulf, regional markets |
| Tea | Pakistan, Egypt, United Kingdom, Central Asia |
| Coffee | Italy, Germany, United States |
| Sesame seeds | China, Middle East |
| Avocado | Netherlands and wider Europe, Middle East |
| Spices | India, Middle East, Europe |
The United States became Kenya’s biggest single export market during 2026.
Choose your market guide
- Israel — bell peppers, Irish potatoes, cashew, coffee and sesame, with import permit and plant health steps.
- United States — cashew, coffee, tea, cocoa, sesame and metals, with AGOA and FDA requirements.
- Europe and the UK — fresh produce, coffee, tea, cashew, sisal and metals, with duty-free access and residue rules.
- Afghanistan and Central Asia — CTC tea and nuts, with transit routing and payment compliance.
- Asia and the Middle East — raw cashew, copper, sesame, tea, sisal and fresh vegetables.
How we work with every market
- You choose the product and grade in the catalog and tell us tonnage and destination.
- We confirm what can ship. Some products need export or import permits, and some cannot lawfully go to some destinations. We tell you before quoting.
- We quote EXW, FOB or CIF at the current market price. See EXW, FOB or CIF explained.
- You inspect. Independent inspection of weight and quality is welcome on every order.
- We ship with documents: invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and phytosanitary, fumigation, weight and quality certificates as required.
Ports and routes
We load at Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara in Tanzania and at Mombasa in Kenya. Fresh produce moves by air through Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. Regional orders are trucked across East Africa. Details are on our shipping and logistics page.
Rules that apply almost everywhere
- Plant products need a phytosanitary certificate, and often an import permit obtained by the importer.
- Food must meet the destination’s limits for residues and contaminants.
- Metals and minerals need export permits at origin; some destinations require pre-shipment inspection or import licences.
- Duties depend on the HS code and on any trade preference for the country of origin.
Your customs broker has the final word on your country’s rules. Our guides give the outline so that you know what to ask.
New to importing?
Read how to import from East Africa in seven steps, check the harvest calendar, and see our trade terms and frequently asked questions. When you are ready, message the trade desk from any product page or the contact page.