Kenya’s export sector has recorded a milestone following the arrival of the first agricultural shipments to China under the newly implemented zero-tariff trade arrangement.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan confirmed that 6.9 tons of fresh Kenyan avocados landed at Guangzhou Port on May 1, followed by a larger consignment of 320 tons of crude avocado oil received at Dalian Port on May 9.
The exports mark the beginning of a new phase in Kenya–China trade relations, coming just weeks after the official flag-off ceremony held at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Terminus in Nairobi on March 24.
“6.9 tons of fresh Kenyan avocados arrived at Guangzhou Port, and on May 9, 320 tons of Kenyan crude avocado oil arrived at Dalian Port in China,” statement read.
The launch event was presided over by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, signaling high-level political backing for the expanded trade framework.
Beyond avocados and avocado oil, the first shipment package also includes coffee, hides and skins, and green beans—an indication of Kenya’s strategy to diversify agricultural exports and tap into new Asian markets.