Exports from Africa to China rose 10.2 per cent year-on-year to US$39.66 billion in the first seven months of 2025, following Beijing's removal of tariffs on a range of products.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of African Affairs Director-General Du Xiaohui said the zero-tariff policy has opened the door for agricultural products such as Kenyan avocados to enter the Chinese market more competitively.
In August, President William Ruto confirmed that China had agreed to lift all tariffs on Kenyan exports, including avocados. The move is expected to diversify Kenya's export markets and reduce reliance on traditional destinations.
Kenya's macadamia sector has reported early shipments under the new trade framework. In August, the country exported 54 tons of nuts to China's Hunan Province, the first batch of the year. Exports are projected to reach 2,000 tons by year-end. Rising demand from China's middle class is driving increased interest in the nuts, providing Kenya with access to a market of more than one billion consumers.
Kenya, the world's third-largest macadamia producer, is targeting both raw in-shell exports and value-added products to maximize returns.
According to China's General Administration of Customs, goods trade between China and Kenya grew 11.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to US$2.24 billion. Imports from Kenya rose 13.2 per cent during the period, outpacing China's 11.8 per cent export growth to the country. This marked the sixth consecutive quarter of expansion.
Source: Capital Business