Kenya begins China trade talks after exclusion from duty-free pact

Kenya has started bilateral trade talks with China after being excluded from Beijing's duty- and quota-free list, and officials say a preliminary arrangement allows 98.2% zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods.

Kenya has opened bilateral trade negotiations with China after being left off a Beijing list that grants duty- and quota-free market access to least developed countries. Trade Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said in an emailed statement that talks have produced a preliminary arrangement allowing 98.2% zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. A Kenyan newspaper, the Standard, reported that the United States is pressuring Kenya not to sign a substantive deal with China, citing unnamed sources. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei wrote on X on Jan. 13 that Kenya sees no tension between negotiating with China and pursuing AGOA re-authorization and a separate bilateral trade agreement with the United States. Key points: - Kenya initiated bilateral trade negotiations with China after exclusion from Beijing's duty- and quota-free list. - Trade Secretary Lee Kinyanjui said a preliminary arrangement allows 98.2% zero-duty market access for Kenyan goods. - The Standard reported U.S. pressure against a substantive deal, citing unidentified people. - Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei said on Jan. 13 there is no tension between talks with China and pursuing AGOA re-authorization and a bilateral U.S. trade agreement. - The U.S. Senate is set to discuss a three-year extension of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act. Summary: These talks open a path for formalizing market access between Kenya and China while Kenya continues efforts to regain duty-free access to the United States under AGOA. Ongoing steps include continued bilateral negotiations with China and a U.S. Senate discussion on a three-year AGOA extension.