Kenya and Iran form committee to lift ban on tea exports
Kenya and Iran have formed a joint committee to address trade obstacles and lift the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran within 60 days.
Kenya and Iran have formed a joint committee to address trade obstacles and lift the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran within 60 days.
Kenya and Iran have formed a joint committee tasked with addressing trade obstacles within 60 days, paving the way for lifting the ban on Kenyan tea exports to Iran.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced the move in a statement on Tuesday, August 12, during the 7th Session of the Kenya–Iran Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held in Nairobi.
The ban had stemmed from a criminal trade malpractice involving a Kenyan company, Cup of Joe Limited, which was accused of importing low-grade tea, blending it, and re-exporting it to Iran as high-grade Kenyan tea.
This triggered a diplomatic dispute, leading to the suspension of exports.
“The move comes in the wake of a criminal trade malpractice involving a Kenyan company, Cup of Joe Limited, which has since been deregistered by the Tea Board of Kenya and is set to face prosecution,” the statement read.
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe stated that both nations have agreed to draft strict regulations to prevent similar cases in the future and safeguard Kenya’s tea industry.
“Kenya’s tea sector is one of our largest foreign exchange earners, and we must protect it from unscrupulous traders whose actions damage our reputation,” Mutahi stated.
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Iran is among the top importers of Kenyan tea, ranking third in 2024 after importing 13 million kilograms worth Sh4.26 billion.
Pakistan remained the largest buyer, accounting for 34.7% of Kenya’s total tea exports.
The export ban has significantly impacted Kenyan farmers and traders. In 2023, Kenya shipped tea to 96 global destinations, compared to 92 this year.
Key export markets include Egypt, which exported 86.90 million kg worth Sh23.96 billion, the UK, which exported 54.41 million kg worth Sh16.99 billion, and the UAE, which exported 30.50 million kg worth Sh10.27 billion.
The joint committee will develop a framework to restore trust and ensure compliance with quality standards, aiming to fully resume tea exports before the 60-day deadline.
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