Kenya is pursuing preferential access to the Chinese market for its tea, coffee, and macadamia. President William Ruto, during his state visit to China, highlighted that these products currently face tariffs, which hinder their export.
"Chinese companies admit that Kenyan tea and coffee are premium, but today, they are subject to tariffs, and that is what impedes their export," Ruto stated at a diaspora Town Hall meeting in Beijing. Kenya aims to negotiate a trade agreement similar to AGOA, providing duty-free, quota-free access for Kenyan goods to China. "That way we can export more to China and export better products," he added.
Kenya has signed a multi-billion-shilling agreement with China during Ruto's visit. Notably, Kenya's avocado exports to China surged in 2023, with 4,324.1 tonnes exported compared to 443.6 tonnes in 2022, as per Chinese data. This growth followed the start of avocado exports in August 2022 after prolonged negotiations.
China has become a major importer of Kenyan macadamia, particularly raw, in-shell nuts. Kenya ranks third globally in macadamia production, after South Africa and Australia.
Ruto's discussions with President Xi Jinping will address China's investment in Kenya's infrastructure, Global South cooperation, and regional peace and security. China has been integral in developing Kenya's infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Lamu Port, and Kipevu Oil Terminal.
Source: The Star