Kenya Advances Export Growth as China Opens Market Through Zero-Tariff Access
Kenya has taken a major step toward boosting exports following China’s decision to grant approximately 98.2 percent zero-duty market access to Kenyan products under the Early Harvest Agreement.
This milestone was highlighted during the Kenya–China High-Level Business Forum held in Nairobi under the theme: “Zero Tariffs as a New Catalyst for Kenya–China Shared Prosperity in Trade, Investments and Industry.”
The forum brought together senior government officials and over 100 business leaders from both countries to strengthen trade ties and unlock new investment opportunities.
The forum comes at a critical time as both nations move to operationalize the Early Harvest Agreement, a framework expected to significantly enhance Kenya’s export performance and address the longstanding trade imbalance.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki underscored the need to expand Kenya’s presence in the Chinese market.
“Our shared objective is to grow Kenya’s exports to China and move toward a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,” he said.
Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation.
“China stands ready to strengthen trade and investment ties with Kenya and unlock new opportunities for shared growth,” he said.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui described the Early Harvest framework as a key tool in addressing the trade gap.
“This framework provides a direct pathway to position Kenyan products competitively in the Chinese market while addressing the trade imbalance,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Trade Regina Ombam emphasized the need to translate policy into tangible business outcomes.
“This forum offers a valuable platform to build a future-oriented partnership that delivers real economic benefits through trade and investment,” she said.
Despite strong bilateral ties, trade between the two countries has remained uneven. Kenya’s imports from China stood at USD 3.84 billion in 2022, USD 3.28 billion in 2023, and USD 4.31 billion in 2024, while exports to China remained significantly lower at USD 233.84 million, USD 207.92 million, and USD 196.56 million respectively. The zero-tariff access is expected to help narrow this gap by boosting Kenya’s export capacity and competitiveness.
In a major highlight, the first export consignment under the zero-tariff arrangement was officially flagged off at the Standard Gauge Railway Terminus in Nairobi. The consignment included fresh avocados, avocado oil, hides and skins, coffee, and green beans.
The flag-off was led by Deputy President Prof. Kindiki and Vice President Zheng, marking the beginning of a new phase in Kenya–China trade relations.
The forum and the inaugural shipment signal a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade, diversifying exports, and positioning Kenya more competitively in global markets.