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Kenya eagerly awaits zero-tariff export boom to China

By WANG XIAODONG and VICTOR RABALLA in Nairobi | China Daily | Updated: 2026-04-17 09:50
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Farmers pick tea leaves in Bomet County, Kenya, on Feb 4. YANG GUANG/XINHUA

Anticipation is building across Kenya's agricultural export sector as China prepares to implement a zero-tariff policy on a wide range of African products from May 1.

Exporters say the move could redefine trade flows between the continent and the world's second-largest economy. It is not only about lower costs but also about access to a vast and evolving consumer base.

"With zero tariffs and a population of 1.4 billion, this is very attractive and presents an important opportunity," said Joel Mwiti Kobia, managing director of Nutri Nuts and Fruits.

On March 23, Kenya flagged off its first consignment of goods to China under the zero-tariff arrangement, including fresh avocados, coffee and green beans.

Kobia said China's rapidly expanding middle class is reshaping global consumption patterns, as rising incomes, urbanization and increasing health awareness are pushing consumers toward premium, nutritious foods, creating a fertile ground for African exports.

His company began exporting macadamia nuts to China in 2021 with just one container of about 16 metric tons. By last year, exports had surged to 120 tons annually.

"With tariffs set to fall from 15 percent to zero, we expect exports to more than double again, potentially reaching 250 tons in the near future," Kobia said, adding that the development will create more jobs at processing facilities.

Margaret Njoki, commercial manager for fresh and frozen vegetables at Vertical Agro Group, said avocado exporters are eyeing a breakthrough. "I will be competing with Peru and Mexico, but if my prices go down, I will be able to export more in both quality and quantity to China," she said.

Njoki expects the effect to ripple through the value chain, from exporters to farmers. "People will be excited to grow more avocados. It will bring more money, more employment," she said.

Tea products

Meanwhile, an unlikely optimism is building up among tea producers who have largely remained on the sidelines.

For Kelvin Mbugi of Kenya Tea Packers, the zero-tariff policy will help Kenya's tea access the world's biggest market.

"Currently we are unable to export tea to China because we are not competitive in prices," he said. "However, with zero tariffs, we will now have a chance not only to deliver quality, but also to have a competitive advantage in pricing."

Kenyan tea exporters are betting on China's growing interest in specialty and health-oriented offerings. Products such as purple tea, which is rich in antioxidants, and white tea, often marketed for antiaging benefits, could appeal to China's increasingly health-conscious consumers.

"We anticipate great demand and we are prepared to deliver," he added.

The opportunity is not limited to traditional food exports. Manufacturers such as Irene Nzovo are exploring entry into China with niche products such as pet food.

"With zero tariffs ... we will have more customers and bulk supplies," she said.

Erick Rutto, president of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, underscored the need to train small farms and exporters on adhering to China's sanitary and phytosanitary requirements and meeting international standards.

Zhang Chi contributed to this story.

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