Kenya has reached a preliminary trade agreement with China that will allow about 98 percent of Kenyan exports to enter the Chinese market duty free, marking a major step in Nairobi’s push to expand exports and rebalance trade with its largest Asian partner. According to Kenya’s trade ministry, the arrangement forms part of an “early harvest” framework ahead of negotiations on a broader bilateral trade agreement.
The deal is expected to give Kenyan agricultural and manufactured goods significantly improved access to China’s vast consumer market. Trade officials said key beneficiaries will include tea, coffee, avocados, flowers and selected industrial products, helping local producers tap into higher demand and improve foreign exchange earnings. Reuters reported that the agreement followed high level engagements between officials from both countries, building on commitments made during recent bilateral talks.
Government officials said the duty free access is designed to support export diversification and job creation while strengthening Kenya’s position in global value chains. According to statements cited by Africanews and Xinhua, the arrangement also reflects China’s wider push to deepen trade ties with African economies through preferential market access.
The agreement still requires parliamentary approval and further technical work on rules of origin and implementation timelines. Kenya’s trade ministry said the early harvest deal could pave the way for a comprehensive trade pact if successfully rolled out, potentially giving Kenyan exporters a long-term competitive edge in one of the world’s largest import markets.
