Kenyan farmers are set to gain full access to the Chinese market after China agreed to remove tariffs on agricultural imports from Kenya beginning May 1, 2026.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the development after discussions with Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan, saying the decision will take effect as part of previously agreed trade arrangements.
Kagwe said the move follows commitments made during President William Ruto’s state visit to China.
“This is the implementation stage of agreements that were carried forward by His Excellency, President William Ruto, during his visit to China. It opens a major opportunity for Kenyan farmers and exporters to access one of the world’s largest markets,” Kagwe said.
Under the new policy, Kenyan agricultural exports will enter China without paying import duties. The change removes tariffs that had previously reduced the competitiveness of Kenyan products.
The products expected to benefit include tea, coffee, fresh and frozen avocados, macadamia nuts, cut flowers, vegetables, herbs, and other horticultural goods produced in the country.
Before the agreement, several of these goods attracted duties in China. Tea and coffee were taxed at rates ranging between 6 and 15 per cent. Macadamia nuts faced tariffs of about 10 to 15 per cent. Fresh produce and vegetables were subject to duties between 10 and 25 per cent, while cut flowers attracted around 4 per cent.
Officials say eliminating these charges will help Kenyan exporters compete more effectively in the Chinese market, which has more than 1.4 billion consumers.
Ambassador Guo Haiyan said agricultural trade between Kenya and China has been increasing steadily. She noted that Kenya remains an important supplier of farm products to China.
She revealed that in 2025, Kenya’s exports of coffee and tea to China reached $24.46 million, accounting for 10.8 per cent of Kenya’s agricultural exports to the Chinese market, and reflecting a growth of 8.8 per cent compared to the previous year.
Kenya has in recent years focused on expanding export markets for agricultural products as part of efforts to increase foreign exchange earnings. China is one of the world’s largest importers of food and farm produce, making it a key destination for exporters seeking long-term trade opportunities.
The duty-free access is expected to boost demand for Kenyan tea, coffee, flowers, and fresh produce, while encouraging more farmers and exporters to meet the international standards required for the Chinese market.
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