NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya is already recording a sharp increase in avocado and green coffee exports to China following Beijing’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to products from eligible African countries.
Between May and August 2026, Kenya’s avocado exports to China increased by 63.22 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, while exports of unroasted green coffee surged by nearly 140 per cent.
The figures were highlighted during a visit by Chinese and Kenyan officials to Sunripe, an avocado exporter based in Naivasha, as both countries assessed the early impact of the new trade arrangement.
Avocado Exports to China Jump 63pc
Kenya exported 3.76 million kilogrammes of avocados to China between May and August, up from 2.31 million kilogrammes during the same period last year.
The value of the exports also rose significantly, increasing by 59.65 per cent from 27 million yuan to more than 43.15 million yuan.
The growth comes after China introduced its zero-tariff policy for products from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the policy was designed to improve market access for African producers and strengthen trade and development cooperation.
Green Coffee Exports Rise 140pc
Kenya’s green coffee exports recorded even stronger growth during the four-month period.
Exports of unroasted green coffee increased from 712,610 kilogrammes in 2025 to 1.71 million kilogrammes in 2026, representing a 139.66 per cent increase.
The value of green coffee exports almost doubled, rising 97.33 per cent from 49.8 million yuan to 98.3 million yuan.
The figures are being viewed by Kenyan and Chinese officials as an early indication of the potential commercial opportunities created by improved access to the Chinese market.
China Opens Market to African Products
Ambassador Guo said China’s zero-tariff policy took effect on May 1, 2026, covering 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
She said the initiative was intended to turn tariff reductions into increased trade and improved livelihoods.
“We are ready to strengthen cooperation with countries along Africa’s eastern coast, share opportunities, and jointly create prosperity for us all,” Guo said.
She added that China would continue promoting trade and investment cooperation with African countries.
The policy forms part of the wider economic relationship between Kenya and China and the trade initiatives pursued under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.
Kenya Seeks Bigger Share of Chinese Market
Kenyan officials said the tariff arrangement provides an opportunity to expand exports while attracting investment that can increase the country’s capacity to supply the Chinese market.
Jane Makori, Deputy Director General for Asia and the Pacific at Kenya’s State Department for Foreign Affairs, said Kenya and China signed the Early Harvest zero-tariff arrangement in March 2026.
She said the agreement seeks to increase bilateral trade within World Trade Organization rules while improving access for Kenyan products.
The Government also expects stronger market access to encourage investment in production, processing and other parts of the export value chain.
Naivasha Gains From Improved Logistics
Guo linked the growth in agricultural exports to improvements in Kenya’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
She pointed to the extension of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway to Naivasha, which has helped strengthen the town’s role as a logistics hub connecting Kenya’s agricultural production areas with domestic, regional and international markets.
For agricultural exporters, improved transport infrastructure can help move produce from farms and processing facilities to ports and export markets more efficiently.
The combination of market access, infrastructure and trade cooperation is therefore expected to support further expansion of Kenya-China agricultural trade.
Sunripe Calls for Long-Term China Strategy
Despite the sharp initial growth, Kenyan exporters say the Chinese market will require sustained investment and a long-term strategy.
Hasit Shah (Tiku), Managing Director of Sunripe, said exporters should focus on building the reputation of Kenyan products in China rather than expecting immediate large-scale market transformation.
“I think it’s a programme we need to have over the next three to five years: establish the brand of Kenya, the reputation, and then take product in and slowly increase it,” Tiku said.
He said Kenyan businesses also need time to understand Chinese consumer preferences, business practices and market requirements.
“We have to learn how to work with them, understand the requirements, and then be able to slowly scale up between now and the next four or five years. It’s a big opportunity,” he said.
Tiku added that Sunripe had not experienced major challenges with phytosanitary requirements for its avocado exports.
Experts Urge Kenya to Embrace Value Addition
Former African Union Commission Vice Chair Erastus Mwencha said Kenya should use the improved market access to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities.
He said the long-term opportunity lies in expanding processing, manufacturing and value addition within Kenya.
Mwencha pointed to agricultural businesses such as Sunripe as examples of how farmers, processing facilities, logistics networks and international markets can be connected within an integrated value chain.
He argued that zero tariffs would have a greater economic impact if Kenya used the opportunity to expand manufacturing, support small and medium-sized enterprises and create more jobs.
