By Ken Muthomi - Reporter
Kenya, May 12, 2026 - Kenya’s first shipment exported to China under China’s new zero-tariff agreement has arrived at Xiamen Port in Fujian Province, the Ministry of Trade and Investment has confirmed.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said that the Cargo, shipped by Quanzhou Danong Tea Import and Export Company Limited, weighed 15,125 tonnes and was valued at USD 40,000 (approximately KSh5.2 million).
Confirming the arrival of the cargo, Trade Principal Secretary Regina Ombam said that the development demonstrates the growing strength of bilateral trade relations between Kenya and China.
“The deal presents new opportunities for Kenyan farmers, manufacturers, and exporters to expand their footprint in one of the world’s largest consumer markets,” said Ombam.
For years, China has stood out as one of the country’s biggest trading partners. According to the Ministry of Kenya, its imports from China stood at USD 3.84 billion in 2022, USD 3.28 billion in 2023, and USD 4.31 billion in 2024.
Likewise, Kenya’s exports to China stood at USD 233.84 million, USD 207.92 million, and USD 196.56 million in 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively.
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The move to scrap tariffs on Kenyan products was part of trade agreements that were secured by President William Ruto during his state visit to China in 2025, at the invitation of China's President Xi Jinping.
Approximately 98.2 percent of Kenyan exports are set to benefit from the Kenya-China Early Harvest Agreement. Tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, and fresh horticultural produce exporters will be the biggest beneficiaries of the policy.
Mineral exports, including titanium ores, zirconium, and manganese, are also expected to benefit, as well as value-added goods such as leather, natural resins, and processed agricultural products.
The Ministry is optimistic that the new arrangement, which took effect on May 1, will boost the country’s competitiveness in the Chinese market by lowering the cost of entry and increasing demand for locally produced products.
For Kenyan exporters to benefit from the zero-tariff policy, they should ensure that they register with the Kenyan authorities and China’s customs agency, and also secure the necessary licenses.
Exporters must also ensure their products are labelled in Chinese and comply with periodic inspections where applicable.