NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan exporters have been spared from steep new U.S. tariffs, following the signing of a sweeping Executive Order by President Donald Trump that imposes reciprocal duties on goods from several countries.
According to a statement issued Friday by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Lee Kinyanjui, Kenyan exports to the U.S. will continue to face only a 10% tariff, the lowest rate under the new regime.
“Kenyan exports to the U.S. continue to enjoy the 10% tariff, the lowest rate among nations with comparable export interests,” the CS said.
The White House directive, which takes effect in seven days, introduces tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on imports from countries deemed to be imposing unfair or non-reciprocal trade barriers on American goods.
Kenya’s exemption from the higher bracket of tariffs comes as a significant relief to exporters and trade officials, given the country’s heavy reliance on the U.S. market for key commodities such as apparel, horticultural products, tea, and coffee.
Kenya-U.S. Trade Ties Remain Strong
CS Kinyanjui emphasized that Kenya remains committed to enhancing its long-standing trade and investment relationship with the U.S., which remains a major partner in sectors such as digital trade, tourism, commodity exports, and regional security.
“We will continue to engage constructively with U.S. authorities to safeguard and grow the historical trade ties that have benefited both our countries,” he added.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions under the Kenya-U.S. Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP), which seeks to enhance bilateral trade through deeper cooperation in areas like standards harmonization, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital innovation.
The U.S. is one of Kenya’s top export destinations, with total exports crossing the Sh65 billion mark in 2024.
Under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other frameworks, Kenya has enjoyed duty-free access to the American market for certain categories of goods.
