Kenya secures 98.2% zero-duty market access for exports to China
Kenya secures 98.2% zero-duty market access for exports to China
Kenya has secured a near-complete zero-duty market access for its exports to China in a move aimed at boosting Kenya’s economic growth and strengthening bilateral trade relations.
In a statement on Thursday, January 15, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui highlighted the challenges Kenya has faced in accessing Chinese markets.
“We note that recently, the Chinese government announced a duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) market access for all goods originating from Africa. However, this provision primarily benefits only the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) within Africa, leaving developing countries like Kenya at a disadvantage,” he said.
To address this imbalance, Kinyanjui said Kenya engaged in negotiations with China to secure equitable trade terms.
“To mitigate this, we have initiated discussions with China to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement that aligns with the privileges enjoyed by our East African Community neighbours and other African nations,” he added.
Kinyanjui confirmed that these discussions have already borne fruit, with a preliminary agreement granting Kenya 98.2% zero-duty access for its goods.
“We are pleased to share that these engagements have resulted in a preliminary agreement that allows for 98.2% zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. This early harvest framework is a monumental progression that signifies China’s commitment to strengthening our trade ties further,” he continued.
US suspends visa processing for 75 countries including Tanzania, Rwanda
Juja MP Koimburi ditches Gachagua for Ruto, blames him of deceit and betrayal
Oburu Oginga dares ODM rebels to quit
EPRA announces new fuel prices
As such, Kinyanjui announced that local exporters are expected to benefit significantly, particularly in the agricultural sector.
“The introduction of zero-duty access will unlock vast economic potential for Kenyan exporters, allowing for diversification of our export basket especially in the agricultural sector which is the mainstay of our economy,” he further said.
Beyond trade growth, Kinyanjui noted that the development is anticipated to create employment and bring tangible economic gains across the country.
“This development is expected to generate considerable employment opportunities and bring tangible benefits to our economy,” he concluded.
Elsewhere, the United States House of Representatives has passed a bill extending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for three years.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 14, Kinyanjui welcomed the AGOA extension, saying it is critical for US-Africa trade relations.
Kinyanjui also said it has renewed certainty in Kenya’s textile and apparel industry, which has been operating under uncertainty in recent months.
Eliud Owalo responds to claims of being fired from govt for secretly working with Gachagua
Concern as students shun category four schools
UDA authorises Ruto to open coalition talks with ODM ahead of 2027 election
Demolition of Wamatangi’s business was discussed with Ruto in Sagana – Gachagua claims
Follow us
