The United Kingdom has pledged to maintain near-zero tariffs on exports from Uganda at a time when protectionist barriers are rising in the United States. UK High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, stated, "There's a lot going on in the world of trade right now. There are lots of barriers, but in the UK, we see openness as central to our international strategy. My Foreign Secretary has repeatedly called for openness when it comes to trade, positioning this as central to the UK's international strategy. So, whilst other countries are raising tariffs, you can rely on the UK to keep tariffs with Uganda down to nothing."
Chesney pointed to initiatives aimed at supporting Ugandan fruit and vegetable exports. "We have collaborated with Uganda Airlines to launch a direct flight to London, opening a route to air freight of fresh Ugandan produce," she said.
She also noted that Uganda benefits from the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which provides tariff-free access for 95% of Ugandan goods to the UK, including fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee. "This is tariff-free access for 95% of Ugandan goods to the UK, including all of those delicious fruits, vegetables, tea, coffee, etc. I have tasted a Ugandan avocado and a pineapple. Going back to what's on the supermarket shelves in the UK is very depressing," she said.
In 2023, Uganda exported US$21.3 million worth of goods to the UK, up from US$10.7 million in 2019. Uganda's top exports to the UK include coffee, tea, spices, vegetables, fruits, fish, dairy products, and flowers.
Challenges remain in the consistency of supply and quality. The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, David Kasura Kyomukama, said, "Number one is consistency of volume. We come to this room, write contracts, and say, 'Export mangoes to the UK.' These guys (exporters) will put two consignments. The third one, no mangoes. Why? Because mangoes in Uganda are seasonal. When it's in season, everybody has mangoes. After the season, like now, the mangoes you get, those of you who eat mangoes, you notice they are bitter. Why? Because they get them from the tree when they are raw."
He added that Uganda also faces issues with consistency of quality and safety standards, while pointing to opportunities in organic fruit and vegetables, including avocados, bananas, mangoes, and pineapples.
Source: ChimpReports
