Kenya has reached a preliminary trade deal with China for duty-free exports of key products including coffee, tea and cut flowers – a major step towards narrowing the East African nation’s long-standing trade gap with Beijing.
The “early harvest” framework grants duty-free access to the Chinese market for 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports, as announced by the Kenyan Ministry of Trade on Thursday – less than a month after negotiations closed on December 19.
While the deal provides an immediate boost for key agricultural products, negotiations continue towards a final, comprehensive “economic partnership agreement” targeting 100 per cent access, according to Kenyan officials.
Meanwhile, the US is reportedly pressing Kenya to abandon the China trade pact in exchange for renewal of duty-free trade privileges under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which expired last year.
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How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s trade minister, described the China deal as “a monumental progression that signifies China’s commitment to strengthening our trade ties further”.
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Kenya, Korir Sing'Oei, Africa, Aly-Khan Satchu, AustChina Institute, eSwatini, China, China-Africa, East Africa, Lauren Johnston, Beijing, Lee Kinyanjui, Kenyan Ministry of Trade, Nairobi#monumental #China #dutyfree #trade #deal #Kenya #wanting1768565175
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