Kenya has started exporting avocados to China under Beijing’s new zero-tariff policy for African countries, with the first consignments arriving at Chinese ports during May.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, 6.9 tons of Kenyan avocados arrived at Guangzhou Port on May 1, while 320 tons of Kenyan crude avocado oil reached Dalian Port on May 9.

The consignments formed part of the first exports flagged off on March 24 at the Standard Gauge Railway terminus in Nairobi by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Kenya is among the first African countries included in the zero-tariff program, which is intended to expand market access for African exports into China.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the initiative is expected to increase trade cooperation and improve export opportunities for Kenyan growers and exporters.

The policy removes tariffs on selected African products entering China, improving competitiveness within the Chinese market.

Chinese officials stated that the program forms part of broader China-Africa trade and investment cooperation efforts.

“China takes the Zero Tariff Policy as an example to promote common opening-up through its own opening-up, to foster a sounder environment for its foreign trade, investment and development cooperation, and to cultivate new advantages in international cooperation and competition,” said Du Xiaohui, Director General of the Department of African Affairs in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“More and more high-quality agricultural and food products from Africa are reaching the dinner tables of ordinary Chinese people, thus creating jobs and increasing incomes for Africa,” he added.

Kenya has expanded avocado exports to China in recent years following market access approvals for fresh avocados and avocado oil.

The arrival of the avocado consignments is expected to support Kenya’s position within the global avocado export market while also increasing opportunities for value-added horticultural exports.

Authorities also stated that the program could contribute to reducing the trade imbalance between Kenya and China by increasing the volume of Kenyan avocado exports entering the Chinese market.

Source: The Star