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Kenyan flower exporters celebrate a significant victory as the United Kingdom decides to halt export tariffs for cut flowers from East African nations, resulting in substantial reductions in shipping expenses.
In a collective statement from the British High Commission in Nairobi, Kampala, Rwanda, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, and Kigali, the UK announced the suspension of export tariffs for cut flowers, effective from Thursday, April 11. This measure permits the unlimited export of cut flowers to the UK at a 0% tariff rate, even for those routed through third countries.
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John Humphrey, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, emphasized that this move aims to bolster trade ties between the UK and East Africa. He stated, “The UK’s relationship with East Africa is rooted in mutually beneficial trade. This additional flower power will allow trade to bloom.”
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While this decision to suspend the 8% export tariff globally is hailed as a significant triumph for East African nations, it particularly benefits Ethiopia, the second-largest exporter of cut flowers in Africa.
Kenya, ranked as the fourth-largest flower exporter globally in 2022, supplies approximately 6% of the world’s flower exports. By the conclusion of 2023, Kenya’s overall exports to the UK amounted to £1.4 billion (KSh227.5 billion).
