About 98.2% of products stand to benefit from Early Harvest Agreement KENYA is among African countries that could reap big from the Chinese market, as the Asian country opens up for the continent’s exports. Starting May 1, 2026, products from African countries with diplomatic ties with China, including Kenya, will enjoy zero-tariff access to the Chinese market.
Approximately 98.2 per cent of Kenyan exports stand to benefit from the Kenya–China Early Harvest Agreement. “This marks a decisive new chapter for Kenya’s export growth and presents an immediate opportunity for Kenyan businesses to expand exports, increase earnings, and penetrate one of the world’s largest consumer markets,” Investments, Trade and Industry CS, Lee Kinyanjui, said.
Kenya’s trade with China has grown significantly over the years, but remains in China’s favour. In 2025, the value of imports from China grew to Sh671.2 billion from 576.1 billion in 2024, the Economic Survey 2026 indicates, as the Asian giant remained the biggest import source for Kenya, followed by India (Sh293 billion).
This is against an export value of Sh16.9 billion, which was down from Sh26.3 billion the previous year. The Kenyan government is confident that with the agreement in place, the country has a clear pathway to narrow this imbalance, boost foreign exchange inflows, and support job creation across key sectors.
Priority export products include tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, fresh horticultural produce, key produces in the agriculture and horticulture sector, with Kenyan exporters encouraged to immediately take advantage of the zero-tariff access across a wide range of products.
Kenya also eyes the Chinese market for minerals and industrial inputs, including titanium ores and concentrates, zirconium and related mineral ores and manganese ores. Emerging and value-added products are leather and hides, natural resins and gums and processed agricultural products.
To fully benefit from the zero-tariff framework, exporters must meet key requirements, including mandatory registration with both Kenyan authorities and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC).