Tanzania: Goodwill (Tanzania) Ceramics has called on the Tanzanian government and the East African Community (EAC) to engage with Kenya following the introduction of a 5% excise duty on imported ceramic tiles and sanitaryware under Kenya’s Finance Act 2026. The company stated that the revised tax regime could increase export costs, affect regional supply chains and create uncertainty for manufacturers trading within the EAC. It also noted that changes in the tax base for sanitaryware could increase compliance requirements during customs valuation and clearance.
The company said the new measures could reduce the competitiveness of Tanzanian ceramic exports to Kenya, affecting production, capacity utilisation and investment if they remain unchanged. It called for discussions between the two governments and relevant EAC institutions to ensure regional trade rules are applied consistently and in line with existing common market commitments.
“We believe the issue can be resolved through constructive dialogue between the two governments and within the framework of the East African Community. Our concern is to ensure that regional trade remains open, predictable and consistent with the commitments agreed by all partner states,” Mr Xie said.
“As manufacturers, we have invested heavily in the country, created local employment, transferred technology and contributed to government revenue. We support fair competition, but competition must take place under transparent and predictable rules that are consistent with regional trade commitments,” Mr Xie said.
“A strong regional market benefits producers, consumers and investors alike. Through dialogue and cooperation, we believe East Africa can preserve the open, rules-based trading environment that is essential for sustainable industrial growth,” he said.
