Faith Masita
Kenya has successfully shipped its first consignment of agricultural products to China under a newly established duty-free trade arrangement, signaling a significant milestone for exporters targeting the expansive Asian market.
The shipment, which was flagged off at the SGR Nairobi Terminus by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, comprised fresh avocados, avocado oil, hides and skins, coffee, and green beans.
Speaking during the event, Kindiki urged the private sector to capitalize on the preferential trade terms, emphasizing the potential to scale exports into China’s vast consumer base of over 1.4 billion people. He noted that the government intends to fully leverage the zero-tariff framework to deepen bilateral trade relations and stimulate economic growth.
Recent trade data underscores the growing importance of the Chinese market for Kenya’s agricultural exports. In 2025, coffee and tea shipments to China generated $24.46 million, accounting for 10.8 percent of total agricultural exports to the country and reflecting an 8.8 percent year-on-year increase.
Meanwhile, exports of fresh and frozen avocados, along with macadamia nuts, reached $19.9 million, similarly contributing 8.8 percent to the overall agricultural export portfolio.
The flag-off ceremony was also attended by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, alongside senior government officials from both Kenya and China.
The development is expected to open new opportunities for Kenyan exporters, particularly in the agriculture sector, as the country seeks to diversify its export markets and enhance foreign exchange earnings.
The shipment, which was flagged off at the SGR Nairobi Terminus by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and China’s Vice President Han Zheng, comprised fresh avocados, avocado oil, hides and skins, coffee, and green beans.
Speaking during the event, Kindiki urged the private sector to capitalize on the preferential trade terms, emphasizing the potential to scale exports into China’s vast consumer base of over 1.4 billion people. He noted that the government intends to fully leverage the zero-tariff framework to deepen bilateral trade relations and stimulate economic growth.
Recent trade data underscores the growing importance of the Chinese market for Kenya’s agricultural exports. In 2025, coffee and tea shipments to China generated $24.46 million, accounting for 10.8 percent of total agricultural exports to the country and reflecting an 8.8 percent year-on-year increase.
Meanwhile, exports of fresh and frozen avocados, along with macadamia nuts, reached $19.9 million, similarly contributing 8.8 percent to the overall agricultural export portfolio.
The flag-off ceremony was also attended by Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, alongside senior government officials from both Kenya and China.
The development is expected to open new opportunities for Kenyan exporters, particularly in the agriculture sector, as the country seeks to diversify its export markets and enhance foreign exchange earnings.
