CS Kagwe urges China to remove tariffs on Kenyan coffee, tea and avocados

Kagwe held talks with senior officials from the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) during a high-level meeting in Beijing. 

The Chinese delegation was led by Vice Minister Wang Jun and included senior directors from departments overseeing duty collection, quarantine, and international cooperation. 

During the engagement, Kagwe highlighted that current tariffs on Kenyan goods are high, with non-roasted coffee taxed at 8 percent, roasted coffee at 20 percent, tea at 15 percent, and avocados up to 20 percent. 

He urged Chinese authorities to fast-track a move to zero-duty status for these products to support Kenyan farmers and improve trade balance.

He pointed out that Kenya imports more from China than it exports, citing that in 2024, Kenya bought goods worth about Ksh.583 billion from China but exported only Ksh.37 billion, mostly raw agricultural commodities.

Kagwe said this trade deficit is unsustainable and must be addressed urgently through tariff removal and streamlined export approvals.

"When the President was in Kenya, they developed a very robust trading agreement which we in the Ministry of Agriculture would like to take advantage of," he stated. 

The CS said Kenya and China are finalizing a bilateral trade framework that would remove tariffs on major agricultural exports.

He added that Kenya has completed the necessary technical submissions, including protocols for fresh mangoes, dried chillies, green grams, dried fruits, and plant-based medicinal products. 

Beyond tariff issues, Kagwe called for closer collaboration in agricultural research, value chain development, laboratory strengthening, and specialist training, including exchanges of scientists and technical staff.

He also stressed the importance of clearing pending livestock export applications, some of which have been delayed for over two years, noting that access for Kenyan meat to China would be a milestone achievement.

He added that Kenya seeks to strengthen its position in the Chinese market and unlock long-awaited export opportunities for Kenyan farmers.