Kenya is set to enjoy duty-free access to China under a new economic deal announced by President Xi Jinping.
When signed, the agreement announced on Wednesday, June 11, will allow Kenyans to send goods to China duty-free.
President Xi made the announcement during a high-level meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, China.
Further, President Xi Jinping indicated that the move is part of a broader China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
The agreement will remove tariffs on all goods from 53 African countries, including Kenya.
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Kenya and Other Benefiting Countries
Further, he explained that the new policy aims to help African nations, especially the least developed, export more goods to China by removing trade barriers.
“China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China,” Xi said.
Also, China pledged to support Africa’s growth in key areas like green industries, online trade, science, and technology.
Xi said China is committed to working with African countries to boost modernisation efforts and promote long-term partnerships.
The new trade deal follows years of growing economic ties between China and Kenya, including investments in infrastructure and technology.
If successfully signed, the agreement could give Kenya a stronger foothold in global trade and help reduce the country’s trade deficit with China.
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US-China New Deal
Earlier, US president Donald Trump announced a new deal with China under which the US was getting a total of 55% tariffs, while China was getting 10%.
The announcement came after two days of negotiations in London between top officials from Beijing and Washington.
Meanwhile, on April 24, 2025, President William Ruto’s visit to China resulted in several key trade and infrastructure agreements between Kenya and the Chinese government.
According to a statement from State House, China pledged to support Kenya in rolling out key connectivity projects.
These include extending the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Malaba (Phase II) and expanding the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road into a dual carriageway.
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