Kenya’s exports to China surge after zero-tariff deal

Kenya’s avocado oil exports to China have surged by 700 per cent, while coffee exports have nearly doubled following the implementation of a zero-tariff trade deal, Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Speaking during a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Guo said exports of Kenyan aquatic products, including sea cucumbers, had also increased by 350 per cent by the end of August.

The growth follows the implementation in May 2026 of the Early Harvest Agreement between Kenya and China, which provides tariff-free access to the Chinese market for eligible Kenyan products.

Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi said Kenya is now seeking to expand the arrangement through comprehensive negotiations under the China-Africa Development Economic Partnership Agreement (CADEPA).

“Kenya’s exports to China are growing, particularly coffee, avocadoes and tea, contributing to job creation across the agricultural sector,” Mudavadi said.

He said expanded access to the Chinese market could create opportunities for farmers, women and young people while supporting Kenya’s efforts to increase exports and value addition.

Mudavadi also highlighted infrastructure as a key area of Kenya-China cooperation, citing the planned dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway towards Kisumu and Malaba, as well as the proposed extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.

The projects, he said, could support an economic corridor linking agricultural areas to manufacturing, value addition and regional trade.

Kenya and China elevated their relations to an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025.

The two countries are also expanding cooperation in agriculture, energy, education, health, tourism, science and technology.

Guo said more than 1,000 Kenyans had travelled to China for training and study programmes in 2026, while more than 20 exchange activities had been held under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Mudavadi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to deepening the partnership, saying Nairobi was ready to advance negotiations on CADEPA and secure greater opportunities for Kenyan products in the Chinese market.