Kenya’s agricultural exports to China will enter the market duty-free starting May 1, 2026, following trade agreements secured during President William Ruto’s state visit to Beijing, a move expected to unlock significant opportunities for Kenyan farmers and agribusinesses.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the development on Monday after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan, describing it as a major step in strengthening agricultural trade between the two countries.
Kagwe said the removal of tariffs will allow key Kenyan products to access China’s vast consumer base on more competitive terms.
“The removal of tariffs means products such as tea, coffee, avocado, macadamia nuts, flowers and fresh horticultural produce will now enter the Chinese market of over 1.4 billion consumers at zero duty, significantly improving Kenya’s competitiveness,” Kagwe said.
The CS noted that the move is part of the implementation of bilateral trade agreements reached during President Ruto’s official visit to China, aimed at expanding market access for Kenyan agricultural products.
Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan said agricultural trade between Kenya and China has continued to grow steadily.
She revealed that in 2025, Kenya exported coffee and tea worth USD 24.46 million (Sh3.18 billion) to China, while avocado and macadamia exports reached USD 19.9 million (Sh2.59 billion).
Kagwe urged Kenyan farmers, exporters and investors to seize the opportunity by scaling up production and focusing on value addition to maximize returns from the Chinese market.
“Kenyan exporters and investors should take advantage of this opportunity by increasing production and prioritizing value-added agricultural products instead of raw exports,” he said.
The Agriculture CS also encouraged partnerships between Kenyan and Chinese firms to establish local agro-processing industries that would strengthen agricultural value chains and create employment.
He further stressed the need to maintain high export standards, directing the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to ensure that all agricultural exports comply with both international and Chinese phytosanitary requirements.
The duty-free access is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s agricultural exports while deepening trade ties between Nairobi and Beijing.