South Africa Lifts Duties on Kenyan Tea, Coffee and Spices Under SACU Deal

South Africa has lifted the suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee and spices that were imposed in November 2025, granting the products market access under the SACU tariff offer.

The concession is intended to strengthen trade ties between the two countries and reduce the trade imbalance that currently favors South Africa.

The announcement was made by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Kenya–South Africa Business Forum, which was hosted on the margins of the State Visit by President William Ruto.

South Africa had previously imposed the duties in retaliation after Kenya introduced levies on iron rods and steel bars from South Africa through the Tax Amendments Act of 2024.

The move is expected to boost exports by making Kenyan tea far more competitive on South African supermarket shelves, enabling exporters to capture a larger share of the consumer market.

Principal Secretary Regina Ombam joined Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, among other dignitaries, at the forum.