China has announced the elimination of tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries to strengthen trade ties with the continent. President Xi Jinping's directive, effective from May 1, will allow Kenyan products such as tea, coffee, and avocados to enter the Chinese market duty-free. Eswatini is the only exception due to its diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China has officially announced an expansion of its duty-free import policy for goods from African countries, including Kenya, according to reports from Chinese sources. The announcement was made by President Xi Jinping on February 14, 2026, and will take effect from May 1, 2026. This extends an existing policy that previously covered 33 African nations to now include all 53 countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China, excluding Eswatini.
Eswatini is excluded because it maintains official ties with Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory under the "One China" principle. Beijing has opposed such relations and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification with mainland China.
For Kenya, this means increased exports to China, particularly agricultural products and raw materials. Kenya was not among the original 33 beneficiary countries. In 2025, Kenya exported avocados worth over Ksh 64 billion. Other significant exports include tea, coffee, cut flowers, and roses, which have seen growing demand in the Chinese market. Minerals have also played a key role; titanium ore is Kenya's top export to China, valued at over Ksh 75 billion in 2024.
This follows a preliminary trade agreement reached between Kenya and China in January 2026, granting duty-free access for 98.2 percent of Kenyan goods. The deal aimed to boost agricultural exports and reduce Kenya's trade deficit with China. The new policy will enhance economic cooperation between China and Kenya, along with other African nations, under existing trade frameworks and provide broader market access to one of the world's largest economies.
