This move comes amid growing concerns over the potential expiry of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the recent introduction of new US tariffs that threaten trade with key partners.
Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui revealed in an interview on Capital FM that the team will travel to Washington, DC to engage US officials and discuss measures to maintain favorable trade terms.
“Kenya is a critical trading partner of the US, historically and presently. We have already filed an appeal against the tariffs, and it is important to explore all avenues to protect our trade interests,” Kinyanjui said.
The discussions will focus on renewing preferential trade terms and addressing the restrictions imposed during the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
These tariffs have had a negative impact on several African economies, including Kenya, by limiting export opportunities.
The government remains committed to ensuring Kenyan goods retain access to the lucrative US market and is optimistic that the upcoming talks will lead to a more balanced and fair trade relationship.
Kenya plans to leverage its strategic partnerships with the US, including its leadership role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, to negotiate more favorable tariff conditions.
On July 31, President Trump signed an executive order imposing additional tariffs ranging from 10 to 41 percent on goods from various countries.
While Kenya was spared in this latest tariff round, other African nations like South Africa and Algeria were hit with tariffs as high as 30 percent on exports to the US. For unlisted countries such as Kenya, a 10 percent import tax applies.
The executive order noted that despite negotiations, some countries failed to offer terms addressing trade imbalances adequately.
The Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative were tasked with recommending further actions if trading partners did not take sufficient measures.
Trade officials and stakeholders in Kenya remain hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts will safeguard the country’s export sector, ensuring sustainable growth despite the shifting global trade environment.
Kenya plans to leverage its strategic partnerships with the US, including its leadership role in the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in Haiti, to negotiate more favorable tariff conditions.
On July 31, President Trump signed an executive order imposing additional tariffs ranging from 10 to 41 percent on goods from various countries.
While Kenya was spared in this latest tariff round, other African nations like South Africa and Algeria were hit with tariffs as high as 30 percent on exports to the US. For unlisted countries such as Kenya, a 10 percent import tax applies.
The executive order noted that despite negotiations, some countries failed to offer terms addressing trade imbalances adequately.
The Secretary of Commerce and the US Trade Representative were tasked with recommending further actions if trading partners did not take sufficient measures.
Trade officials and stakeholders in Kenya remain hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts will safeguard the country’s export sector, ensuring sustainable growth despite the shifting global trade environment.
