South Africa has lifted previously suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee, and spices, restoring full market access for the products under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) tariff arrangement in a move expected to boost bilateral trade between the two countries.
The State Department for Trade announced the development on Friday, June 5, noting that the decision was made public during the Kenya–South Africa Business Forum held in Pretoria.
The forum brought together government officials and private sector stakeholders from both nations, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presiding over key engagements focused on strengthening economic cooperation.
South Africa lifts duties on Kenyan tea, coffee and spices. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the Trade Department, the duties that had been imposed in November 2025 had significantly affected access for Kenyan agricultural exports into the South African market.
Their removal is now expected to improve competitiveness for Kenyan tea, coffee, and spice exporters, while expanding trade opportunities within the SACU framework.
Officials from the Kenyan side indicated that the decision forms part of broader efforts to resolve trade barriers that have previously slowed down the flow of goods between the two countries.
The restoration of market access is also seen as a positive step toward deepening economic integration and improving the balance of trade between Kenya and South Africa.
The development comes against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic and economic engagement between Nairobi and Pretoria, following the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.
These agreements cover areas such as trade facilitation, including standards, technical regulations, conformity assessment, and accreditation, as well as shipping and maritime cooperation.
Other areas of collaboration include gender equality and women empowerment, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation.
The agreements are expected to strengthen institutional ties and create a more predictable environment for trade and investment between the two countries.
Kenya has also been pushing for the reduction of both tariff and non-tariff barriers that have limited access to key regional markets.
Trade data shows that bilateral trade between Kenya and South Africa has grown from $590 million in 2024 to $650 million in 2025, reflecting steady economic engagement despite existing challenges.
However, both governments have acknowledged that structural barriers, including regulatory constraints, tariffs, and market access limitations, continue to affect the full realization of trade potential.
The recent developments are therefore viewed as part of ongoing efforts to address these challenges and unlock further economic opportunities for businesses in both countries.
