South Africa has lifted suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee, and spices, restoring preferential market access under the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) tariff offer.
The announcement was made by the State Department for the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry on Friday ending a suspension that had been in place since November 2025.
“South Africa has lifted the suspended duties on Kenyan tea, coffee, and spices that were imposed in November 2025, giving market access to the products under the SACU tariff offer,” the ministry stated, noting that the move is expected to boost trade between the two countries.
The ministry further highlighted that the concession is intended to strengthen bilateral trade ties and address the trade imbalance that currently favours South Africa.
The development coincided with a high-level bilateral meeting during which President William Ruto and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witnessed the signing of six new agreements aimed at deepening economic cooperation, trade, and people-to-people ties.
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The agreements cover key sectors including shipping and maritime, gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts, culture and heritage, as well as sports and recreation.
“These agreements are aimed at elevating partnership, building on the existing strong foundation of cooperation we have nurtured over the past three decades,” President Ruto said.
He added that the country is positioning itself to unlock greater trade opportunities through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expand markets, boost investment, and drive inclusive growth.
By Obegi Malack
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