Kenya has officially entered China’s zero-tariff market, with the first shipment of 6.9 tonnes of avocados arriving in Beijing, China, on May 8, 2026. The shipment was among the first arrivals under China’s new zero-tariff policy, which took effect on May1, 2026.
The first arrival of Kenyan avocados coincided with a shipment of 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa, which was among the first arrivals of African agricultural products under the tariff policy, said DU Xiaohui.
The breakthrough was secured during President Ruto visit to China in 2025, where he and President Xi Jinping agreed to balance trade between the two countries.
Previously, Kenyan produce faced tariffs ranging from 6-25% with tea and coffee at 6-15%, macadamia at 10-15%, fresh produce and vegetables at 10-25% and cut flowers at 4%.
The deal aimed to reduced its USD 4 billion annually trade deficit with China. The removal of the duties was to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in the Chinese market.
As the government is targets 15 million kilograms of tea by 2030, it seeks a 20% increase in coffee shipments to strengthen relations with China’s market.
Kenya is the sixth- largest avocado producer globally with production projected at 727,000 metric tonnes in 2026. Avocados were chosen as the first flagship product for the zero-tariff rollout due to high demand in China’s market and growing middle class.
