Kenya’s National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has welcomed China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries, saying it is helping farmers access new markets and improve their incomes.
Speaking to China Media Group in Tianjin, Wetang’ula said the policy was already supporting trade in products such as coffee and avocados, while creating fresh opportunities for Kenya’s cut-flower industry.
“Today we are able to export our flowers to arrive in China as flowers and products of Kenya,” he said, describing the change as an opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s position in the Chinese market.
The policy took effect on May 1, 2026, extending zero-tariff treatment to African countries with diplomatic relations with China.
Kenya’s flower exports rebound
Kenya’s floriculture industry generated KSh81.3 billion ($630 million) in export earnings in 2025, up from KSh72.1 billion in 2024, according to figures from the Agriculture and Food Authority’s Horticultural Crops Directorate.
Export volumes increased from approximately 102,500 tonnes to 130,600 tonnes over the same period, reinforcing flowers’ position as one of Kenya’s most important foreign-exchange earners.
The Netherlands remains the industry’s principal export destination. World Bank trade data shows that Kenya exported fresh cut flowers and buds worth $311.9 million to the Netherlands in 2025, followed by the United Kingdom at $141.7 million.
Other important markets included Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan and Germany.
China offers an opportunity to reduce reliance on traditional European markets, although its importance as a destination for Kenyan flowers is yet to match that of the established buyers.
Direct flights could strengthen trade
Wetang’ula also pointed to direct flights between Nairobi and Guangzhou as an important link between the two economies, supporting the movement of goods and people.
For a perishable product such as cut flowers, reliable airfreight connections are essential to preserving quality and reaching buyers on time.
Duty-free access could improve the competitiveness of Kenyan flowers in China by removing applicable import tariffs. However, exporters will still need to meet Chinese phytosanitary, quality and traceability requirements, while managing freight costs and distribution networks.
For growers, the opportunity depends on whether improved market access translates into stronger orders, better prices and higher farm incomes.