Kenya has secured near-total duty-free access to the Chinese market. The deal follows focused talks to address trade gaps with China
Kenya has achieved a major trade breakthrough with China after negotiations that now allow most Kenyan goods to enter the Asian market without import duty.
According to the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports will enjoy zero-duty access, marking a big shift in trade relations between the two countries.
The agreement follows months of engagement after China rolled out a duty-free and quota-free system for African exports that mainly favoured Least Developed Countries.
As a developing economy, Kenya was left out, prompting the government to push for separate talks to secure equal treatment for its exporters.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said Kenya moved quickly to protect its trade interests, especially within the East African Community.
He noted that the government sought a deal that would place Kenyan products on the same footing as exports from neighbouring countries already enjoying better access to China.
The discussions resulted in an early agreement that opens China’s market to nearly all Kenyan exports at zero duty.
The ministry described the outcome as a strong signal of China’s willingness to deepen trade ties and support balanced economic cooperation.
Officials say the new access is expected to benefit agriculture, which supports millions of Kenyan households.
Products such as tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, and fresh produce are likely to gain more buyers in China, helping farmers, processors, and exporters grow their businesses.
Kenya’s trade with China has long favoured Beijing, mainly due to heavy imports of manufactured goods.
Experts believe the new deal could help narrow that gap by increasing export earnings and improving Kenya’s position in global trade.
The government says the agreement fits into a wider plan to grow exports, strengthen local production, and reduce reliance on imports.
Officials added that the deal will also support regional trade goals and improve incomes through export-driven growth.
Kenya expects the new trade terms to deliver real economic gains and improve livelihoods across the country.
The government says it remains focused on building strong global partnerships that support growth, jobs, and long-term economic stability.
