Sunday 30th August, 2026 07:05 PM|
Kenyan exporters are gaining wider access to the Chinese market under an Early Harvest Agreement that provides duty-free entry for about 98.2 per cent of Kenyan tariff lines.
The arrangement, described by Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam as an early step towards a comprehensive free-trade agreement, targets products that Kenya can supply to China while negotiations on a broader pact continue.
In an interview shared by the Chinese Embassy in Kenya on August 30, 2026, Ombam explained that negotiating a full free-trade agreement can take years. The early harvest arrangement allows selected products to benefit from reduced or zero tariffs before a comprehensive deal is concluded.
The duty-free regime took effect on May 1, 2026, with Kenya seeking to use the opening to increase exports and expand its presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Agriculture set to benefit
Agricultural products are among the main beneficiaries of the new arrangement.
Ombam said horticulture and fresh produce previously faced import duties of between 10 and 25 per cent, but these products can now enter China at zero tariff. Tea and coffee, which faced duties ranging from six to 15 per cent, have also received duty-free access.
Cut flowers previously attracted a four per cent tariff, while Kenyan avocados can now enter the Chinese market without import duty.
Kenya was already earning from avocado exports to China, with Ombam saying the trade generated about $20 million last year even before the tariff change.
The government is also targeting meat and macadamia nuts for increased exports. Macadamia nuts have gained popularity among Chinese consumers, particularly the growing middle class.
Kenya eyes bigger Chinese market
The agreement gives Kenyan businesses access to a market of about 1.4 billion consumers.
Beyond raw agricultural products, the arrangement also creates opportunities for value-added exports, including avocado oil, packaged coffee, leather and processed hides.
The government has been seeking to increase the value of goods exported from Kenya as it works to expand earnings from international trade.
The China agreement comes as Kenya continues to pursue greater market access in other major economies.
The United States Senate has approved an extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act until December 31, 2028, although the House of Representatives still has to consider the measure.
Ombam said the extension would provide exporters with greater certainty in the US market, where apparel accounts for about 70 per cent of Kenya’s AGOA exports.
Exporters face compliance requirements
While the tariff concessions open new opportunities, exporters must meet requirements before accessing the Chinese market.
Businesses are required to register with relevant Kenyan authorities and Chinese customs while complying with sanitary and phytosanitary standards.
Plant-based exporters must also obtain certification from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
The government expects the expanded access to support farmers, processors and exporters as Kenya seeks to increase the volume and value of goods sold abroad.
For farmers and businesses targeting China, the focus will now shift to meeting market requirements and taking advantage of the tariff-free access to build a larger and more consistent export presence.
